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. 240 | x |
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | x | |||
Amendment No. 241 | x |
VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
225 Pictoria Dr., Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)
Registrants Telephone Number, including Area Code: (513) 587-3400
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:
¨ | immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b); |
¨ | on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b); |
x | 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1); |
¨ | on February 28, 2016 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. |
FOUNDRY FUNDS
Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund
Investor Class DRSVX
Institutional Class DRISX
PROSPECTUS
August 30, 2016
Foundry Funds
c/o Ultimus Asset Services, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
(800) 247-1014
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.
1 | ||||
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS |
10 | |||
13 | ||||
16 | ||||
20 | ||||
23 | ||||
24 | ||||
26 | ||||
28 | ||||
31 |
FOUNDRY PARTNERS FUNDAMENTAL SMALL CAP VALUE FUND
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund (the Fund) is long-term capital appreciation.
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.
Investor | Institutional | |||||||
Shareholder Fees ( fees paid directly from your investment ) |
||||||||
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of the offering price) |
None | None | ||||||
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of purchase price or current net asset value, whichever is less) |
None | None | ||||||
Redemption Fee (as a percentage of the amount redeemed within 60 days, if applicable; a $15 fee for redemptions paid by wire) |
1.00 | % | None |
1
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 Funds operating expenses remain the same. Only the one year number shown below reflects the Advisers agreement to waive fees and/or reimburse Fund expenses. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||||||||||||
Investor Class Institutional Class |
$
$ |
148
122 |
|
$
$ |
459
381 |
|
$
$ |
792
660 |
|
$
$ |
1,735
1,455 |
|
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 Funds performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Funds portfolio turnover rate was 44% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Fund will invest primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of companies that are similar in market capitalization to those listed on the Russell 2000 ® Value Index. As of December 31, 2015, the range of market capitalization of companies included in the Russell 2000 ® Value Index was $15 million to $5.2 billion. The size of companies in the Index changes with market conditions and the composition of the Index. Foundry Partners, LLC (the Adviser) seeks to find overlooked companies with low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios, solid financial strength and strong management that are selling below their intrinsic value.
2
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks of small capitalization companies that at the time of purchase are similar in market capitalization to those listed on the Russell 2000 ® Value Index. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in foreign securities (including securities of emerging market countries), including American Depository Receipts (ADRs) or Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) that are traded on U.S. markets. Small capitalization companies in which the Fund may invest include closed-end funds that invest primarily in small capitalization companies. The Fund also may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities, such as convertible preferred stock or convertible debt securities, and warrants. The Fund intends to remain substantially invested in equity securities. However, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in investment-grade fixed income securities of any maturity if the Adviser believes that a companys fixed income securities offer more potential for long-term total return with less risk than an investment in its equity securities.
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 Funds investment risks before deciding whether to invest in the Fund.
Equity Risk . 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 Funds investments may decline in value if the stock markets perform poorly. There is also a risk that the Funds investments will underperform the securities markets generally.
Value Risk . The market may not agree with the Advisers determination that a security is undervalued, and the securitys price may not increase to what the Adviser believes is its full value. It may even decrease in value. Undervalued stocks tend to be inexpensive relative to their earnings or assets compared to other types of stock. However, these stocks can continue to be inexpensive for long periods of time and may not realize their full economic value.
Management Risk . The Advisers value-oriented approach may fail to produce the intended results. If the Advisers perception of the value of a company is not realized in the expected time frame, the Funds overall performance may suffer.
Small Cap Risk . The earnings and prospects of smaller companies are more volatile than larger companies. 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 them fall more in response to selling pressure than is the case with larger companies. Smaller companies may have limited markets, product lines or financial resources and may lack management experience.
3
Foreign Risk . Securities of foreign companies may experience more rapid and extreme changes in value than securities of U.S. companies because a limited number of companies represent a small number of industries. Foreign issuers are not subject to the same degree of regulation as U.S. issuers. Also, nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation or political changes could adversely affect the Funds investments in a foreign country. Foreign investments also may be riskier than U.S. investments because of fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Securities of foreign companies may be denominated in foreign currencies. Exchange rate fluctuations may reduce or eliminate gains or create losses.
Emerging Markets Risk . To the extent that the Fund invests in issuers located in emerging markets, the foreign securities risk may be heightened.
Pricing Risk . If market conditions make it difficult to value some investments, the Fund may value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair value pricing. In such cases, the value determined for an investment could be different than the value realized upon such investments sale. As a result, you could pay more than the market value when buying Fund shares or receive less than the market value when selling Fund shares.
Liquidity Risk . In certain situations, it may be difficult or impossible to sell an investment in an orderly fashion at an acceptable price.
Sector Risk . To the extent that the Fund focuses in one or more sectors, factors affecting those sectors could affect Fund performance.
Closed-End Fund Risk . When the Fund invests in closed-end funds, it will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by the underlying closed-end funds. 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 leverage by the funds). The Fund has no control over the risks taken by the underlying funds in which it invests. In addition, closed-end funds pose additional risks. The amount of public information available about closed-end funds is generally less than for mutual funds. Consequently, the Adviser may make investment decisions based on information that is incomplete or inaccurate. In addition, because closed-end funds are not redeemable at the holders option, such funds typically trade primarily on the secondary market. The secondary market for non-exchange listed funds tends to be less liquid, which may adversely affect the Funds ability to sell its securities at attractive prices. In addition, such securities may be subject to increased price volatility. The market price of a closed-end funds shares may be affected by its dividend or distribution levels (which are dependent, in part, on expenses), stability of dividends or distributions, general market and economic conditions, and other factors beyond the control of a closed-end fund. The foregoing factors may result in the market price of the shares of the closed-end fund being greater than, less than, or equal to, the closed end funds net asset value. This means that a closed end funds shares may trade at a discount to (or below) its net asset value.
4
Fixed Income Securities Risks . The issuer of a fixed income security may not be able to make interest and principal payments when due. If a rating agency gives a debt security a lower rating, the value of the debt security will decline because investors will demand a higher rate of return. As nominal interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities held by the Fund is likely to decrease. A nominal interest rate is the sum of a real interest rate and an expected inflation rate. Prices of fixed income securities with longer effective maturities are more sensitive to interest rate changes than those with shorter effective maturities.
Cybersecurity Risk . The Fund and its service providers may be subject to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cybersecurity. A breach in cybersecurity refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose or compromise confidential information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cybersecurity include, among other things, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other operational disruptions. Successful cybersecurity breaches of the Fund and/or the Funds investment adviser, distributor, custodian, the transfer agent or other third party service providers may adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders. For instance, a successful cybersecurity breach may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, cause the release of private personal shareholder information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses, and/or cause reputational damage. The Fund relies on third-party service providers for many of the day-to-day operations, and is therefore subject to the risk that the protections and protocols implemented by those service providers will be ineffective in protecting the Fund from cybersecurity breaches. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Funds investments in such companies to lose value. There is no guarantee the Fund will be successful in protecting against cybersecurity breaches.
Performance
The bar chart below shows how the Funds investment results have varied from year to year as represented by the performance of Investor Class shares. The table below shows how the Funds average annual total returns for the one-year, five-year and since inceptions periods compare over time to those of a broad-based securities market index. This information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. Past performance (before and after taxes) of the Fund is no guarantee of how it will perform in the future.
The Fund began operations on December 31, 2003 as a separate series of Unified Series Trust (the Original Fund). On January 22, 2008, the Original Fund was reorganized as a new series of the Dreman Contrarian Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (the Predecessor Fund). The Predecessor Fund was reorganized on February 28, 2013 from a series of Dreman Contrarian Funds to a series of the Valued Advisers Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the Reorganization). The performance shown below includes performance for the Original Fund and Predecessor Fund. Total return would have been lower had certain fees and expenses not been waived and/or reimbursed. Keep in mind that past performance (before and after taxes) may not indicate how well the Fund will perform in the future. The performance information below is intended to serve as an illustration of the variability of the Funds returns since the Fund is a continuation of the Predecessor Fund and has the same investment objective and investment strategies as the
5
Predecessor Fund. While the Fund is substantially similar to the Predecessor Fund and theoretically would have invested in the same portfolio of securities, the Funds performance during the same time period may have been different than the performance of the Original Fund and Predecessor Fund due to, among other things, differences in fees and expenses. Institutional shares were sold without a sales charge, and the performance results would have been lower otherwise.
6
Year-by-Year Annual Total Return of the
Fund Investor Class
(for the periods ended December 31st)
Highest/Lowest quarterly results during this time period were:
Best Quarter: |
2nd Quarter, 2009, 22.40 | % | ||
Worst Quarter: |
3rd Quarter, 2011, (22.84 | )% |
The year-to-date return as of June 30, 2016 was [ ]%
7
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
(for the periods ended December 31, 2015)
1 Year | 5 Years |
10 Years or
Life of Fund 1 |
||||||||||
Investor Class Return Before Taxes |
(4.94 | %) | 7.32 | % | 7.96 | % | ||||||
Investor Class Return After Taxes on Distributions |
(7.57 | %) | 5.29 | % | 6.88 | % | ||||||
Investor Class Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares |
(0.61 | %) | 5.75 | % | 6.49 | % | ||||||
Institutional Class Return Before Taxes |
(4.67 | %) | 7.55 | % | 5.98 | % | ||||||
Russell 2000 ® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
(7.47 | %) | 7.67 | % | 5.57 | % 2 |
1 | The inception date for the Investor Class shares of the Fund was December 31, 2003. The inception date for the Institutional Class shares of the Fund was August 22, 2007. |
2 | Based on the inception date of the Investor Class shares. |
After-tax returns are shown for the Investor Class only. After-tax returns for Institutional Class will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal income tax rates in effect and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investors tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or IRAs.
Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (800)247-1014 . Performance data current to the most recent quarter end may be obtained on the Funds website at www.[xxxx].com
Portfolio Management
Investment Adviser. Foundry Partners, LLC
Portfolio Managers. The following portfolio managers are jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. Mark Roach is the Lead Portfolio Manager for the Fund.
| Mark Roach; Portfolio Manager of the Fund as a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of the Adviser since June 21, 2016 and Portfolio Manager of the Fund prior thereto and since 2006 as a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of Dreman Value Management, LLC (Dreman), the previous adviser to the Fund. |
8
| Mario Tufano, CFA; Portfolio Manager of the Fund as a Portfolio Manager of the Adviser since June 21, 2016 and Portfolio Manager of the Fund prior thereto and since 2010 as a Vice President and Senior Securities Analyst of Dreman. |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Minimum Initial Investment | To Place Buy or Sell Orders | |
Investor: $2,500 Institutional: $100,000 |
By Mail: Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund Ultimus Asset Services, LLC P.O. Box 46707 Cincinnati, OH 45246-0707 |
|
Minimum Additional Investment | ||
$1,000 | By Phone: (800) 247-1014 |
You may purchase or sell (redeem) your shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open, either directly through the Funds Transfer Agent by calling (800) 247-1014, 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 Funds distributions 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.
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 intermediarys website for more information.
9
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT
STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS
Investment Objective of the Funds
The investment objective of the Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund (the Fund) is long-term capital appreciation.
The Funds investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Fund will invest primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of companies that are similar in market capitalization to those listed on the Russell 2000 ® Value Index. As of December 31, 2015, the range of market capitalization of companies included in the Russell 2000 ® Value Index was $15 million to $5.2 billion. The size of companies in the Index changes with market conditions and the composition of the Index. The Adviser seeks to find overlooked companies with low P/E ratios, solid financial strength and strong management that are selling below their intrinsic value.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in common stocks of small capitalization companies that at the time of purchase are similar in market capitalization to those listed on the Russell 2000 ® Value Index. This investment policy may not be changed without at least sixty (60) days notice to Fund shareholders. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in foreign securities (including securities of emerging market countries), including ADRs or GDRs that are traded on U.S. markets. Small capitalization companies in which the Fund may invest include closed-end funds that invest primarily in small capitalization companies. The Fund also may invest in preferred stocks, convertible securities, such as convertible preferred stock or convertible debt securities, and warrants. The Fund intends to remain substantially invested in equity securities. However, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in investment-grade fixed income securities of any maturity if the Adviser believes that a companys fixed income securities offer more potential for long-term total return with less risk than an investment in its equity securities.
In considering whether to purchase a particular security, the Adviser considers a number of factors. Securities having a low P/E ratio are used to initially screen securities and establish the potential universe of securities from which the Adviser will select investments. The Adviser will then perform an analytical process to make the final security selection. The specific factors considered in this process will vary depending on the particular security, the sector it is in, as well as market conditions; however, these specific factors may include: trailing twelve month P/E ratio, price to book ratio, dividend yield, the method in which the company has historically utilized free cash flow (such as stock buy back programs, financing capital expenditures, etc.), market capitalization, stock price relative to the stocks historical stock price, earnings growth rate, debt to capital ratio, and return on equity. The order of the list above does not necessarily represent the order or weight given to those factors. Additional factors may be considered by the Adviser depending on market conditions and the security being evaluated for purchase.
10
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
The principal risks of investing in the Fund are described 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 Funds investment risks before deciding whether to invest in the Fund.
Equity 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 Funds investments may decline in value if the stock markets perform poorly. There is also a risk that the Funds investments will underperform the securities markets generally.
Value Risk . The Fund seeks to invest in securities that are undervalued or out of favor with the market in the Advisers opinion. The market may not agree with the Advisers determination that a security is undervalued, and the securitys price may not increase to what the Adviser believes is its full value. It may even decrease in value. Undervalued stocks tend to be inexpensive relative to their earnings or assets compared to other types of stock. However, these stocks can continue to be inexpensive for long periods of time and may not realize their full economic value.
Management Risk . The Advisers value-oriented approach may fail to produce the intended results. If the Advisers perception of the value of a company is not realized in the expected time frame, the Funds overall performance may suffer.
Small Cap Risk . To the extent the Fund invests in smaller capitalization companies, the Fund will be subject to additional risks. These include:
| The earnings and prospects of smaller companies are more volatile than larger companies. |
| 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 them fall more in response to selling pressure than is the case with larger companies. |
| Smaller companies may have limited markets, product lines or financial resources and may lack management experience. |
Pricing Risk . If market conditions make it difficult to value some investments, the fund may value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair value pricing. In such cases, the value determined for an investment could be different than the value realized upon such investments sale. As a result, you could pay more than the market value when buying Fund shares or receive less than the market value when selling Fund shares.
11
Liquidity Risk . In certain situations, it may be difficult or impossible to sell an investment in an orderly fashion at an acceptable price.
Foreign Risk . Securities of foreign companies may experience more rapid and extreme changes in value than securities of U.S. companies because a limited number of companies represent a small number of industries. Foreign issuers are not subject to the same degree of regulation as U.S. issuers. Also, nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation or political changes could adversely affect the Funds investments in a foreign country. Foreign investments also may be riskier than U.S. investments because of fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Securities of foreign companies may be denominated in foreign currencies. Exchange rate fluctuations may reduce or eliminate gains or create losses. The Adviser does not intend to hedge against currency movements in the various markets in which the Fund invests so the value of the Fund is subject to the risk of adverse changes in currency exchange rates.
Emerging Markets Risk . To the extent that the Fund invests in issuers located in emerging markets, the foreign securities risk may be heightened. Due to political changes, changes in taxation, or currency controls that could adversely affect investments located in emerging market countries, investments of this nature may be more volatile than investments made in the markets of more developed foreign countries with more mature economies.
Sector Risk . To the extent that the Fund focuses in one or more sectors, factors affecting those sectors could affect Fund performance. For example, financial services companies could be hurt by changing government regulations, increasing competition and interest rate movements.
Closed-End Fund Risk . When the Fund invests in closed-end funds, it will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by the underlying closed-end funds. 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 leverage by the funds). The Fund has no control over the risks taken by the underlying funds in which it invests. In addition, closed-end funds pose additional risks. The amount of public information available about closed-end funds is generally less than for mutual funds. Consequently, the Adviser may make investment decisions based on information that is incomplete or inaccurate. In addition, because closed-end funds are not redeemable at the holders option, such funds typically trade primarily on the secondary market. The secondary market for non-exchange listed funds tends to be less liquid, which may adversely affect the Funds ability to sell its securities at attractive prices. In addition, such securities may be subject to increased price volatility. The market price of a closed-end funds shares may be affected by its dividend or distribution levels (which are dependent, in part, on expenses), stability of dividends or distributions, general market and economic conditions, and other factors beyond the control of a closed-end fund. The foregoing factors may result in the market price of the shares of the closed-end fund being greater than, less than, or equal to, the closed end funds net asset value. This means that a closed end funds shares may trade at a discount to (or below) its net asset value.
12
Fixed Income Securities Risk . The issuer of a fixed income security may not be able to make interest and principal payments when due. Generally, the lower the credit rating of a security, the greater the risk that the issuer will default on its obligation. If a rating agency gives a debt security a lower rating, the value of the debt security will decline because investors will demand a higher rate of return. As nominal interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities held by the Fund is likely to decrease. A nominal interest rate is the sum of a real interest rate and an expected inflation rate. Prices of fixed income securities with longer effective maturities are more sensitive to interest rate changes than those with shorter effective maturities.
Cybersecurity Risk . The Fund and its service providers may be subject to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cybersecurity. A breach in cybersecurity refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose or compromise confidential information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cybersecurity include, among other things, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other operational disruptions. Successful cybersecurity breaches of the Fund and/or the Funds investment adviser, distributor, custodian, the transfer agent or other third party service providers may adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders. For instance, a successful cybersecurity breach may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, cause the release of private personal shareholder information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses, and/or cause reputational damage. The Fund relies on third-party service providers for many of the day-to-day operations, and is therefore subject to the risk that the protections and protocols implemented by those service providers will be ineffective in protecting the Fund from cybersecurity breaches. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Funds investments in such companies to lose value. There is no guarantee the Fund will be successful in protecting against cybersecurity breaches.
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit at a 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 Funds returns will vary and you could lose money.
GENERAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS
Value Stocks. The Adviser is a deep value contrarian investor that focuses on finding bargains temporarily depressed or overlooked stocks that the Adviser believes the market has misjudged as to future prospects. For example, securities of a company may be undervalued as a result of overreaction by investors to unfavorable news about a company, its industry or the stock market in general, or as a result of market decline, poor economic conditions, tax-loss selling or actual or anticipated unfavorable developments affecting the company. However, the Adviser does not focus exclusively on the cheapness of the stock. The Adviser will apply careful and sophisticated analytical techniques to each stock in the low P/E universe to identify those with fundamental financial strength. The Adviser also will seek to limit the risks of investing in a Fund by avoiding the deceptively appealing fad of the day. The Adviser believes that buying securities at a price that is below their true worth may achieve greater returns for a Fund than
13
those generated by paying premium prices for companies currently in favor in the market. The Adviser typically will sell a stock when the Adviser believes that its price is unlikely to go higher, its fundamental factors have changed, or other investments offer better opportunities. The Adviser will seek to avoid the common mistake of overstaying, or watching the price of a particular stock move sharply higher only to see it nosedive thereafter.
Foreign Stocks. The Fund may invest in foreign stocks, either directly or through ADRs or GDRs, which are issued by a bank or trust company and represent ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign company. ADRs and GDRs are alternatives to the direct purchase of the underlying foreign stock. Securities of foreign companies may be riskier than securities of U.S. companies.
Foreign Investing. The Fund may purchase equity and other securities issued in foreign countries, both developed and undeveloped. In addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments, substantial risks are involved in investing in securities issued by companies in foreign nations. Such risks include: the possibility of expropriation; nationalization; confiscatory taxation; taxation of income earned in foreign nations or other taxes imposed relating to investments in foreign nations; foreign exchange controls (which may include suspension of the ability to transfer currency from a given country); political or social instability; and diplomatic developments that could affect investments in securities of issuers in foreign nations. In addition, in many countries there is less publicly available information about issuers than is available in reports about companies in the U.S. Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, and auditing practices and requirements may not be comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. Further, the Fund may encounter difficulties or be unable to pursue legal remedies and obtain judgments in foreign courts. Commission rates in foreign countries, which are sometimes fixed rather than negotiated as in the U.S., are likely to be higher. Further, the settlement period of securities transactions in foreign markets may be longer than in domestic markets. In many foreign countries, there is less governmental supervision and regulation of business and industry practices, stock exchanges, broker-dealers and listed companies than in the U.S. The securities markets of many of the countries in which the Fund may invest also may be smaller, less liquid and subject to greater price volatility than those in the U.S. Further, in some countries it may be difficult for the Fund to establish direct legal ownership of investments it has made.
The Funds investments in emerging or developing countries involve the same risks as are described above for foreign investing. In addition, many companies in emerging or developing countries generally do not have lengthy operating histories. Prior governmental approval may be required in some developing countries for the release of investment income, capital and sale proceeds to foreign investors, and some developing countries may limit the extent of foreign investment in domestic companies. There may be a lack of availability of currency hedging or other risk management techniques in certain developing countries. Emerging market countries may suffer from currency devaluation and higher rates of inflation. Consequently, these markets may be subject to more substantial volatility and price fluctuations than securities traded on more developed markets.
14
Depository Receipts. The Fund may invest in American Depository Receipts (ADRs), and Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) that are traded on U.S. markets. The International Fund may also invest in European Depository Receipts (EDRs). ADRs are securities, typically issued by a U.S. financial institution (a depository), that evidence ownership interests in a security or a pool of securities issued by a foreign issuer and deposited with the depository. GDRs and EDRs are securities that represent ownership interests in a security or pool of securities issued by a foreign or U.S. corporation. Depository receipts may be available through sponsored or un-sponsored facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and the depository, whereas an un-sponsored facility is established by the depository without participation by the issuer of the underlying security.
Holders of un-sponsored depository receipts generally bear all of the costs of the un-sponsored facility. The depository of an un-sponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of un-sponsored depository receipts may provide less information to receipt holders. Investments in depository receipts do not eliminate the risks in investing in foreign issuers. The market value of depository receipts is dependent on the market value of the underlying securities, and fluctuations in the relative value of the currencies in which the depository receipts and the underlying securities are quoted.
Investments in Other Investment Companies. The Fund may invest in closed-end funds. The structure of a closed-end fund poses additional risks than are involved when investing in open-end mutual funds. For example, closed-end funds generally list their shares for trading on a securities exchange and do not redeem their shares at the option of the shareholder. By comparison, mutual funds issue securities redeemable at net asset value at the option of the shareholder, and typically engage in a continuous offering of their shares. If a closed-end funds underlying market value rises and a funds premium narrows or its discount widens, the price return of the closed-end fund the actual return to the shareholder will be less than the funds NAV return. Generally, demand for the type of asset class in which a closed-end fund invests will drive changes in, and levels of, premiums and discounts. The market price of closed-end fund shares may also be affected by its dividend or distribution levels (which are dependent, in part, on expenses), stability of dividends or distributions, general market and economic conditions, and other factors beyond the control of a closed-end fund. The foregoing factors may result in the market price of the shares of the closed-end fund being greater than, less than or equal to the closed funds net asset value. Another risk generally associated with closed-end funds is that most closed-end funds leverage their assets in the attempt to enhance their yield at the expense of increased NAV volatility.
Derivatives. Occasionally, the Fund may invest in index futures in order to equitize cash or to hedge risk. There is no guarantee that derivatives, to the extent employed, will have the intended effect, and their use could cause lower returns or even losses to the Fund. The use of derivatives by the Fund to hedge risk may reduce the opportunity for gain by offsetting the positive effect of favorable price movements. The specific risks of trading in futures contracts are that the low margin or premiums normally required in such trading may provide a large amount of leverage, and a relatively small change in the price of a security or contract can produce a disproportionately larger profit or loss. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for futures contracts purchases or sold, and the Fund may be required to maintain a position until exercise or expiration, which could result in losses.
15
Changes in Investment Objectives and Policies. The Funds investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, without a vote of shareholders, upon sixty (60) days prior written notice to shareholders.
Temporary Defensive Measures. 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. For example, the Fund may hold up to 100% of its assets in short-term U.S. government securities, money market instruments, shares of other no-load mutual funds or repurchase agreements. If the Fund invests in shares of another mutual fund, the shareholders of the Fund generally will be subject to duplicative management fees. As a result of engaging in these temporary measures, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective. The Fund may also invest in these instruments at any time to maintain liquidity or pending selection of investments in accordance with its investment strategies.
Is the Fund right for you?
The Fund may be suitable for:
| Long-term investors seeking a fund with a long-term capital appreciation investment strategy. |
| Investors willing to accept greater price fluctuations associated with investments in smaller companies. |
| Investors who can tolerate the greater risks associated with small company stock. |
Portfolio Holdings.
Information about the Funds policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of the Funds portfolio holdings is included in the Statement of Additional Information.
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 drivers 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
16
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 investments in the Fund are $2,500 for Investor Share Class and $100,000 for Institutional Share Class. The Adviser may, in its sole discretion, waive these minimums 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.
Investor Class Shares
Investor Class shares of the Fund are purchased at NAV. Investor Class shares are sold through broker-dealers and other financial institutions or directly from the Fund through the distributor or the Adviser, and Investor Class shares are not subject to a sales charge. They are, however, subject to a 1.00% short-term redemption fee, which is discussed in more detail below under the sub-heading Fund Policy on Market Timing. In addition, Investor Class shares are subject to 12b-1 fees discussed in more detail below under Distribution Plans. The minimum initial investment in Investor Class shares is $2,500 and minimum subsequent investments are $1,000. The Adviser may, in its sole discretion, waive these minimums for IRAs, for accounts participating in an automatic investment program, and in certain other circumstances. You should select the class of shares that best addresses your investment needs.
Institutional Class Shares
The Institutional Class shares of the Fund are purchased at NAV, are intended for high net worth individual investors and qualified institutions purchasing shares for their own account or for qualifying omnibus accounts, and are not subject to any 12b-1 fees. Qualified institutions include corporations, banks, insurance companies, trusts, endowments, foundations, qualified retirement plans, registered investment advisors and broker-dealers. The minimum initial investment for the Institutional Class shares of a Fund is $100,000, and subsequent investments are subject to a minimum of $1,000. The Adviser may, in its sole discretion, waive these minimums for existing clients of the Adviser and other related parties, as well as in certain other circumstances.
17
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 and class of shares. |
Mail the application and check to:
U.S. Mail: | Overnight: | |
Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund c/o Ultimus Asset Services, LLC P.O. Box 46707 Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707 |
Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund c/o Ultimus Asset Services, LLC 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 |
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 (800) 247-1014 to obtain instructions on how to set up your account and to obtain an account number.
You must provide a signed application to Ultimus Asset Services, LLC, the Funds 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 the 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 (800) 247-1014 to obtain instructions.
18
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 (800) 247-1014 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 (800) 247-1014.
Distribution Plan
The Fund has adopted a Rule 12b-1 Plan for Investor Class shares. Under the Funds Investor Class plan, the Fund pays a fee of 0.25% of Investor Class shares to help defray the cost of servicing Investor Class shareholders.
Because these fees are an ongoing expense, over time they reduce the net investment results of the Fund and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
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, travelers checks, money orders, credit card checks, and checks drawn on non-U.S. financial institutions will not be accepted. Cashiers checks and bank official checks may be accepted. In such cases, a fifteen (15) calendar day hold will be applied to the funds, (which means that you may not receive payment for your redeemed shares until the holding period has expired).
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 Funds transfer agent.
19
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 Funds securities at the time of your redemption.
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: | |
Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund c/o Ultimus Asset Services, LLC P.O. Box 46707 Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707 |
Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund c/o Ultimus Asset Services, LLC 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 |
Your request for a redemption must include your letter of instruction, including the Fund name, account number, account name(s), 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 we receive your order in proper form. To be in proper 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 thirty (30) days of the redemption request, for redemptions of $25,000 or more, or in certain other circumstances, such as to prevent unauthorized account transfers or redemptions. Signature guarantees are for the protection of shareholders. All redemptions requiring a signature guarantee must utilize a New Technology Medallion stamp, generally available from the bank where you maintain your checking or savings account. For joint accounts, both signatures must be guaranteed. Please call Shareholder Services at (800) 247-1014 if you have questions. At the discretion of the Fund or the Funds transfer agent, a shareholder, prior to redemption, 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 (800) 247-1014. You must first complete the optional Telephone Redemption section of the investment application or provide a signed letter of instruction with the proper signature guarantee stamp 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.
20
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 have 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 Funds 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 Funds 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. The Board of Trustees also has adopted a redemption policy to discourage short-term traders and/or market timers from investing in the Fund. A 1.00% short-term redemption fee will be assessed by the Fund on Investor Class Shares against investment proceeds withdrawn within 60 calendar days of investment. Fund shares received from reinvested distributions or capital gains are not subject to the redemption fee. After excluding any shares that are associated with reinvested distributions from the redemption fee calculation, the Fund uses a first-in, first-out method to determine the 60 calendar day holding period. Thus, if you bought shares on different days, the shares purchased first will be redeemed first for purposes of determining whether the redemption fee applies. The proceeds collected from redemption fees will be retained by the Fund for the benefit of existing shareholders.
If you invest in the Fund through a bank, broker-dealer, 401(k) plan, financial adviser or financial supermarket (Financial Intermediary), the Financial Intermediary may, in lieu of charging the redemption fee set forth in this Prospectus, enforce its own market timing policy. Omnibus accounts that include multiple customers of the Financial Intermediary also will be
21
exempt from the redemption fee if the Financial Intermediary does not track and/or process redemption fees. Additionally, the transfer of shares from one retirement account to another, accounts participating in a wrap fee program and redemptions caused by decisions of employer-sponsored retirements plans may be exempt from the redemption fee. Redemption fees may be waived for mandatory retirement withdrawals, systematic withdrawals, redemptions made to pay for various administrative fees and, at the sole discretion of the Adviser, due to change in an investors circumstances, such as death. No exceptions will be granted to persons believed to be market-timers.
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 Funds 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 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 Funds 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 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 (800) 247-1014. 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 days NAV. Redemption proceeds that are reinvested are subject to the risk of loss like any other investment in the Fund.
22
If you redeem your shares through a broker-dealer or other 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.
Because the Fund incurs certain fixed costs in maintaining shareholder accounts, the Fund may redeem all of your shares in the Fund on 45 days written notice if the value of your shares in the Fund is less than $1,000 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 45 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.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The price you pay for your shares is based on the Funds net asset value per share (NAV). The Funds 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 Funds NAV is calculated by dividing the value of the Funds 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 Funds shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Funds shares.
The Funds assets generally are valued at their market value. If market prices are not readily 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. In this regard, the Adviser, pursuant to the terms of the investment advisory agreement with the Fund, has agreed to provide the Fund pricing information that the Adviser reasonably believes may assist in the determination of fair value consistent with requirements under the 1940 Act and the Funds valuation procedures.
23
Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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 Fund 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 Funds fair value methodology is inappropriate. The Fund will adjust the fair values assigned to securities in the Funds 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 Funds portfolio. To the extent the Fund invests in other mutual funds, the Funds 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.
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. |
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 days NAV. When reinvested, those amounts are subject to risk of loss like any other investment in the Fund.
24
Selling shares (including redemptions) and receiving distributions (whether reinvested or taken in cash) usually are taxable events to the Funds 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 Funds 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 their 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 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 Funds assets are invested in foreign ETFs or index mutual funds at the end of the year, the Funds 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 shareholders 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 shareholders U.S. federal income tax liability.
25
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.
Cost Basis Reporting. Federal law requires that mutual fund companies report their shareholders cost basis, gain/loss, and holding period to the Internal Revenue Service on the Funds shareholders Forms 1099-B 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.
The Fund has chosen Average Cost as its 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 Funds standing tax lot identification method is the method covered shares will be reported on your Forms 1099-B if you do not select a specific tax lot identification method. You may choose a method different than the Funds 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.
General Disclaimer . 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.
Adviser. Foundry Partners, LLC (Foundry), 510 First Avenue N. Suite 409, Minneapolis, MN 55403, serves as adviser to the Fund. The Adviser has overall supervisory management responsibility for the general management and investment of the Funds portfolio. The Adviser was founded in 2013, and specializes in providing active management to the institutional investment community.
As of March 31, 2016, Foundry had assets under management of approximately $1.69 billion. Foundry is controlled by Foundry Management Partners, LLC. Foundry Management Partners, LLC is employee owned, and is controlled by Timothy P. Ford, Seamus M. Murphy, and Amy J. Denn.
Prior to June 21, 2016, the Fund was managed by Dreman Value Management, LLC (Dreman). On June 21, 2016, Foundry acquired certain assets of Dreman, including the advisory agreement for the Fund. As part of this transaction, certain personnel of Dreman, including Mark Roach and Mario Tufano, portfolio managers to the Fund, agreed to transition to Foundry.
26
For its investment advisory services to the Fund, the Adviser is paid a fee by the Fund, at the rate of 0.85% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse certain Fund operating expenses, but only to the extent necessary so that the Funds net expenses, excluding brokerage fees and commissions, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short), taxes, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, extraordinary expenses and indirect expenses (such as fees and expenses of acquired funds) does not exceed 1.25% of the net assets of the Fund. The contractual agreement is effective through February 28, 2018. This contractual arrangement may only be terminated by mutual consent of the Adviser and the Fund, and it will automatically terminate upon the termination of the investment advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. Each waiver or reimbursement of an expense by the Adviser is subject to repayment by the Fund within the three fiscal years following the fiscal year in which the particular expense was incurred, provided that the Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the applicable expense limitation. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, the Fund paid Dreman a management fee equal to 0.81% of the Funds average daily net assets, after fee waivers and reimbursement.
A discussion of the factors that the Board considered in approving the Funds advisory agreement will be available in the Funds annual report dated October 31, 2016.
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 Funds behalf. This fee may be based on the number of accounts or may be a percentage of the average value of the Funds 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 Funds 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 intermediarys 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
27
have a conflict of interest in recommending or selling the Funds 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. Mark Roach is the Lead Portfolio Manager for the Fund, and is assisted by Mario Tufano.
Mark Roach (Lead Portfolio Manager) . Mr. Roach joined the Adviser in June 2016, and currently serves as a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager for the Advisers fundamental value strategies. Prior to joining the Adviser, Mr. Roach was a Managing Director of Dreman Value Management, LLC (Dreman), the Funds previous adviser, from November 2006 to June 2016. Prior to joining Dreman, Mr. Roach was a portfolio manager at Vaughan Nelson Investment Management (Vaughan Nelson). At Dreman and Vaughan Nelson, Mr. Roach managed equity portfolios using strategies similar to those used by the Adviser to manage the Fund. From 2002 through 2006, Mr. Roach managed a small cap portfolio at Vaughan Nelson which had assets of over $1.5 billion when he left in 2006. In addition, from April 2006 through his departure from Vaughan Nelson, Mr. Roach also managed a mid cap portfolio with assets of approximately $770 million. Prior to joining Vaughan Nelson, Mr. Roach served as a security analyst for various institutions including Fifth Third Bank, Lynch, Jones & Ryan and USAA, from 1997 to 2001. He has an MBA from the University of Chicagos Graduate School of Business and a Bachelors degree from the Baldwin Wallace College.
Mario Tufano, CFA (Associate Portfolio Manager) . Mr. Tufano joined the Adviser in June, 2016, and currently serves as a Portfolio Manager for the Advisers fundamental value strategies. Prior to joining the Adviser, Mr. Tufano was a Vice President and Senior Securities Analyst at Dreman from 2007 to June 2016. While at Dreman, he was responsible for research of new investment ideas as well as current portfolio holdings for the Fund. Prior to joining Dreman, he was an Associate Director and Equity Analyst at UBS Investment Bank covering the Consumer Staples and Discretionary sectors. Mr. Tufano holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts (NYSAA). Mr. Tufano received his Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University in 2002 with a major in Finance and a minor in Management Information Systems.
The Funds SAI provides additional information about the Funds portfolio managers, including their compensation structure, other accounts managed, and ownership of shares of the Fund.
The financial highlights table on the following pages will help you understand the financial performance for the Fund, including its Predecessor Fund, for the periods shown. Certain information reflects the financial performance of a single Fund share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund, assuming all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The information for the periods shown has been audited by , the Trusts (and the Predecessor Funds) Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, whose report, along with the Funds financial statements, are included in the Annual Report to Shareholders and are incorporated by reference in the Statement of Additional Information, both of which are available free of charge upon request.
28
[Financial Highlights to be added.]
29
30
You can find additional information about the Fund in the following documents:
Annual and Semi-Annual Reports : While this Prospectus describes the Funds potential investments, the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports detail the Funds 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 Funds policies and procedures relating to the disclosure of portfolio holdings by the Funds 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 Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, and request other information about the Fund or make shareholder inquiries, in any of the following ways:
You can get free copies of the current Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, as well as the SAI, by contacting Shareholder Services at (800) 247-1014 or obtain a copy online at www.[xxxx].com. You may also request other information about the Fund and make shareholder inquiries. 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 SECs 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 SECs Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.
Investment Company Act #811-22208
31
Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund
Investor Class DRSVX
Institutional Class DRISX
A Series of the Valued Advisers Trust
Statement of Additional Information
August 30, 2016
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus (the Prospectus) of the Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund (the Fund) dated August 30, 2016. This SAI incorporates by reference the Funds Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015. A free copy of the Prospectus or Annual Report can be obtained by writing Ultimus Asset Services, LLC, the Funds transfer agent, at P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707, or by calling Shareholder Services at (800) 247-1014.
1 | ||||
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS |
2 | |||
16 | ||||
16 | ||||
19 | ||||
22 | ||||
27 | ||||
28 | ||||
28 | ||||
29 | ||||
29 | ||||
31 | ||||
32 | ||||
33 | ||||
33 | ||||
50 | ||||
50 | ||||
51 | ||||
51 | ||||
51 | ||||
52 |
52 | ||||
A-1 | ||||
B-1 | ||||
C-1 |
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUND
The Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value 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 Funds investment adviser is Foundry Partners, LLC (the Adviser).
The Fund offers Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares. Each class of shares is substantially the same as they represent interests in the same portfolio of securities and differ only to the extent that they bear different expenses. The Investor Class shares bear an on-going 0.25% 12b-1 distribution fee; Institutional Class shares are not subject to a 12b-1 distribution fee, and generally have a higher initial minimum investment than the Investor Class shares. Institutional Class shares are only available for purchase by high net worth individual investors and qualified institutions purchasing shares for their own account or for qualifying omnibus accounts. The differing expenses applicable to the different classes of shares may affect the performance of those classes. Broker/dealers and others entitled to receive compensation for selling or servicing Fund shares may receive more with respect to one class than another.
The Fund commenced operations as a separate series of the Unified Series Trust (the Original Fund). The Original Fund offered both Retail Class shares and Institutional Class shares. The Retail Class shares (now known as Investor Class shares) of the Original Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2003, and the Institutional Class shares of the Original Fund commenced operations on August 22, 2007. On January 22, 2008, the Original Fund was reorganized as a new portfolio of the Dreman Contrarian Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (the Predecessor Fund). On February 28, 2013, the Predecessor Fund was reorganized as a new portfolio of the Trust. References in this SAI are to the Predecessor Funds current name. In addition, certain of the financial information contained in this SAI relates to the Original and Predecessor Funds.
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.
1
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 Funds Prospectus. For a description of the methods used to determine the share price and value of the Funds 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 Funds behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a brokers authorized designee, receives the order.
Customer orders will be priced at the Funds net asset value (plus any applicable sales charge) next computed after they are received by an authorized broker or the brokers 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.
A. Equity Securities . Equity securities include common stock and common stock equivalents (such as rights and warrants, and convertible securities). Warrants are options to purchase equity securities at a specified price valid for a specific time period, and are discussed in more detail below. Rights are similar to warrants, but normally have a short duration and are distributed by the issuer to its shareholders.
2
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of small capitalization companies, which the Adviser defines as companies that are similar in market capitalization to those listed on the Russell 2000 ® Value Index, at the time of purchase. This policy is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, upon sixty (60) days prior written notice to shareholders. As of December 31, 2015, the market capitalization of companies included in the Russell 2000 ® Value Index ranged from $15 million to $5.2 billion. The size of companies in the Index changes with market conditions and the composition of the Index.
The Fund will invest principally in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of companies that the Adviser believes to be undervalued. Securities of a company may be undervalued as a result of overreaction by investors to unfavorable news about a company, industry or the stock market in general, or as a result of a market decline, poor economic conditions, tax-loss selling or actual or anticipated unfavorable developments affecting the company. The Fund may also invest in initial public offerings. The Fund will invest in equity securities that offer unique investment values. The criterion used to identify such stocks include below average P/E, price-to-book, price-to-cash flow ratios and above average dividend yields.
B. Fixed Income Securities . The Fund intends to remain substantially invested in equity securities; however the Fund may invest in fixed income securities if the Adviser believes that a companys fixed income securities offer more potential for long-term total return with less risk than an investment in its equity securities. Fixed income securities include corporate debt securities, convertible debt securities, U.S. government securities, mortgage-backed securities, zero coupon bonds, asset-backed and receivable-backed securities and participation interests in such securities. Preferred stock and certain common stock equivalents may also be considered to be fixed income securities. Fixed income securities are generally considered to be interest rate sensitive, which means that their value will generally decrease when interest rates rise and increase when interest rates fall. Securities with shorter maturities, while offering lower yields, generally provide greater price stability than longer term securities and are less affected by changes in interest rates.
C. Convertible Securities . A convertible security is a bond, debenture, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into, or exchanged for, a prescribed amount of common stock. The Fund may invest in convertible securities rated B or higher by Standard and Poors Ratings Group (S&P) or by Moodys Investors Services, Inc. (Moodys), or if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. Generally, investments in securities in the lower rating categories provide higher yields but involve greater volatility of price and risk of loss of principal and interest than investments in securities with higher ratings. Securities rated lower than Baa by Moodys or BBB by S&P are considered speculative. In addition, lower ratings reflect a greater possibility of an adverse change in the financial conditions affecting the ability of the issuer to make payments of principal and interest. The market price of lower-rated securities generally responds to short-term corporate and market developments to a greater extent than higher-rated securities which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. Lower-rated securities will also be affected by the markets perception of their credit quality and the outlook for economic growth.
3
In the past, economic downturns or an increase in interest rates have under certain circumstances, caused a higher incidence of default by the issuers of these securities and may do so in the future, especially in the case of highly leveraged issuers.
The prices for these securities may be affected by legislative and regulatory developments. For example, federal rules were enacted that required that savings and loan associations gradually reduce their holdings of high-yield securities. An effect of such legislation may be to significantly depress the prices of outstanding lower-rated securities. The market for lower-rated securities may be less liquid than the market for higher-rated securities. Furthermore, the liquidity of lower rated securities may be affected by the markets perception of their credit quality. Therefore, judgment may at times play a greater role in valuing these securities than in the case of higher-rated securities, and it also may be more difficult during certain adverse market conditions to sell lower-rated securities at their fair value to meet redemption requests or to respond to changes in the market.
If the rating of a security by S&P or Moodys drops below B, the Adviser will dispose of the security as soon as practicable (depending on market conditions) unless the Adviser determines based on its own credit analysis that the security provides the opportunity of meeting a Funds objective without presenting excessive risk. The Adviser will consider all factors which it deems appropriate, including ratings, in making investment decisions for the Fund and will attempt to minimize investment risk through conditions and trends. While the Adviser may refer to ratings, it does not rely exclusively on ratings, but makes its own independent and ongoing review of credit quality.
D. Preferred Stock . Preferred stock has a preference in liquidation (and, generally dividends) over common stock but is subordinated in liquidation to debt. As a general rule the market value of preferred stocks with fixed dividend rates and no conversion rights varies inversely with interest rates and perceived credit risk, with the price determined by the dividend rate. Some preferred stocks are convertible into other securities (for example, common stock) at a fixed price and ratio or upon the occurrence of certain events. The market price of convertible preferred stocks generally reflects an element of conversion value. Because many preferred stocks lack a fixed maturity date, these securities generally fluctuate substantially in value when interest rates change; such fluctuations often exceed those of long-term bonds of the same issuer. Some preferred stocks pay an adjustable dividend that may be based on an index, formula, auction procedure or other dividend rate reset mechanism. In the absence of credit deterioration, adjustable rate preferred stocks tend to have more stable market values than fixed rate preferred stocks. All preferred stocks are also subject to the same types of credit risks of the issuer as corporate bonds. In addition, because preferred stock is junior to debt securities and other obligations of an issuer, deterioration in the credit rating of the issuer will cause greater changes in the value of a preferred stock than in a more senior debt security with similar yield characteristics. Preferred stocks may be rated by S&P and Moodys although there is no minimum rating which a preferred stock must have (and a preferred stock may not be rated) to be an eligible investment for the Fund. The Adviser expects, however, that generally the preferred stocks in which the Fund invests will be rated at least CCC by S&P or Caa by Moodys or, if unrated, of comparable quality in the opinion of the Adviser. Preferred stocks rated CCC by S&P are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers capacity to pay
4
preferred stock obligations and represent the highest degree of speculation among securities rated between BB and CCC; preferred stocks rated Caa by Moodys are likely to be in arrears on dividend payments. Moodys rating with respect to preferred stocks does not purport to indicate the future status of payments of dividends.
E. Repurchase Agreements . A repurchase agreement is a short-term investment in which the purchaser (i.e., the Fund) acquires ownership of an obligation issued by the U.S. government or by an agency of the U.S. government (which may be of any maturity) and the seller agrees to repurchase the obligation at a future time at a set price, thereby determining the yield during the purchasers holding period (usually not more than seven days from the date of purchase). Any repurchase transaction in which the Fund engages will require full collateralization of the sellers obligation during the entire term of the repurchase agreement. In the event of a bankruptcy or other default of the seller, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying security and losses in value. However, the Fund intends to enter into repurchase agreements only with the Custodian (defined below), other banks with assets of $1 billion or more and registered securities dealers determined by the Adviser to be creditworthy. The Adviser monitors the creditworthiness of the banks and securities dealers with which the Fund engages in repurchase transactions.
F. Reverse Repurchase Agreements . The Fund may borrow funds for temporary purposes by entering into reverse repurchase agreements. Pursuant to such agreements, the Fund would sell portfolio securities to financial institutions such as banks and broker/dealers and agree to repurchase them at a mutually agreed-upon date and price. The Fund intends to enter into reverse repurchase agreements only to avoid selling securities to meet redemptions during market conditions deemed unfavorable by the Adviser. At the time the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will place in a segregated custodial account assets, such as liquid high quality debt securities, having a value not less than 100% of the repurchase price (including accrued interest), and will subsequently monitor the account to ensure that such required value is maintained. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by the Fund may decline below the price at which the Fund is obligated to repurchase the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings by an investment company under the 1940 Act.
G. Foreign Securities . The Fund may invest in foreign securities, either directly or through American Depository Receipts (ADRs) or Global Depository Receipts (GDRs). The Fund may invest in sponsored or unsponsored ADRs and their hybrid forms GDRs and EDRs. These instruments are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates issued by U.S. banks that evidence ownership of shares of a foreign company and are alternatives to the direct purchase of the underlying foreign stock. Investing in foreign securities involves certain special considerations which are not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities, and which may favorably or unfavorably affect a Funds performance. As foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices comparable to those applicable to domestic companies, there may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a domestic company. Many foreign securities markets, while growing in volume of trading activity, have substantially less volume than the U.S. market. In addition, securities of some foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than
5
securities of domestic issuers. Similarly, volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets is less than in the U.S. and, at times, volatility of price can be greater in those markets than in the U.S. In all cases, the Adviser will endeavor to achieve the most favorable net results on its portfolio transactions. Further, prices of unsponsored ADRs may be more volatile than if they were sponsored by the issuer of the underlying securities. ADRs may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. In addition, the issuers of the stock of unsponsored ADRs are not obligated to disclose material information in the U.S. and, therefore, there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the ADRs. ADRs, including those denominated in U.S. dollars will be subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk. However, by investing in U.S. dollar-denominated ADRs rather than directly in foreign issuers stock, a Fund avoids currency risks during the settlement period. In general, there is a large, liquid market in the United States for most ADRs. However, certain ADRs may not be listed on an exchange and therefore may be illiquid securities.
OTC markets tend to be less regulated than stock exchange markets and, in certain countries, may be totally unregulated. Regulatory enforcement may be influenced by economic or political concerns, and investors may have difficulty enforcing their legal rights in foreign countries.
In addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments, substantial risks are involved in investing in securities issued by companies in foreign nations. Such risks include: the possibility of expropriation; nationalization; confiscatory taxation; taxation of income earned in foreign nations or other taxes imposed relating to investments in foreign nations; foreign exchange controls (which may include suspension of the ability to transfer currency from a given country); political or social instability; and diplomatic developments that could affect investments in securities of issuers in foreign nations. In addition, in many countries there is less publicly available information about issuers than is available in reports about companies in the U.S. Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, and auditing practices and requirements may not be comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. Further, the Fund may encounter difficulties or be unable to pursue legal remedies and obtain judgments in foreign courts. Commission rates in foreign countries, which are sometimes fixed rather than negotiated as in the U.S., are likely to be higher. Further, the settlement period of securities transactions in foreign markets may be longer than in domestic markets. In many foreign countries, there is less governmental supervision and regulation of business and industry practices, stock exchanges, broker-dealers and listed companies than in the U.S. The securities markets of many of the countries in which the Fund may invest also may be smaller, less liquid and subject to greater price volatility than those in the U.S. Further, in some countries it may be difficult for the Fund to establish direct legal ownership of investments it has made.
H . Emerging Markets Securities . The Fund may invest in emerging markets securities, either directly or through American Depository Receipts (ADRs) or Global Depository Receipts (GDRs).
6
Investing in emerging market securities imposes risks different from, or greater than, risks of investing in foreign developed countries. These risks include: smaller market capitalization of securities markets, which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; possible repatriation of investment income and capital. In addition, foreign investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales; future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization, or creation of government monopolies. The currencies of emerging market countries may experience significant declines against the U.S. dollar, and devaluation may occur subsequent to investments in these currencies by the Fund. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries.
Additional risks of emerging markets securities may include: greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability; more substantial governmental involvement in the economy; less governmental supervision and regulation; unavailability of currency hedging techniques; companies that are newly organized and small; differences in auditing and financial reporting standards, which may result in unavailability of material information about issuers; and less developed legal systems. In addition, emerging securities markets may have different clearance and settlement procedures, which may be unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions or otherwise make it difficult to engage in such transactions. Settlement problems may cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, hold a portion of its assets in cash pending investment, or be delayed in disposing of a portfolio security. Such a delay could result in possible liability to a purchaser of the security.
I. Strategic Transactions and Derivatives . The Fund may utilize various investment strategies as described below for a variety of purposes, such as hedging various market risks or enhancing potential gain. These strategies may be executed through the use of derivative contracts.
In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, the Fund may purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on securities, equity indices and other instruments, and purchase and sell futures contracts and options thereon (collectively, Strategic Transactions). In addition, Strategic Transactions may also include new techniques, instruments or strategies that are permitted as regulatory changes occur. Strategic Transactions may be used without limit (subject to certain limits imposed by the 1940 Act) to attempt to protect against possible changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased for the Funds portfolio resulting from securities markets or currency exchange rate fluctuations, to protect the Funds unrealized gains in the value of its portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities for investment purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of the Funds portfolio, or to establish a position in the derivatives markets as a substitute for purchasing or selling particular securities. Some Strategic Transactions may also be used to enhance potential gain. Any or all of these investment techniques may be used at any time and in any combination, and there is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one technique rather than another, as use of any Strategic Transaction is a function of numerous variables including market conditions. The ability of the Fund to utilize these Strategic Transactions successfully will depend on the Advisers ability to predict pertinent market movements, which
7
cannot be assured. The Fund will comply with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing these strategies, techniques and instruments. Strategic Transactions will not be used to alter fundamental investment purposes and characteristics of the Fund, and the Fund will segregate assets (or as provided by applicable regulations, enter into certain offsetting positions) to cover its obligations under options and futures to limit leveraging of the Fund.
Strategic Transactions, including derivative contracts, have risks associated with them including possible default by the other party to the transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the Advisers view as to certain market movements is incorrect, the risk that the use of such Strategic Transactions could result in losses greater than if they had not been used. Use of put and call options may result in losses to the Fund, force the sale or purchase of portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices higher than (in the case of put options) or lower than (in the case of call options) current market values, limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on its investments or cause the Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell. The use of options and futures transactions entails certain other risks. In particular, the variable degree of correlation between price movements of futures contracts and price movements in the related portfolio position of the Fund creates the possibility that losses on the hedging instrument may be greater than gains in the value of the Funds position. In addition, futures and options markets may not be liquid in all circumstances. As a result, in certain markets, the Fund might not be able to close out a transaction without incurring substantial losses, if at all. Although the use of futures and options transactions for hedging should tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged position, at the same time they tend to limit any potential gain which might result from an increase in value of such position. Finally, the daily variation margin requirements for futures contracts would create a greater ongoing potential financial risk than would purchases of options, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium. Losses resulting from the use of Strategic Transactions would reduce net asset value, and possibly income, and such losses can be greater than if the Strategic Transactions had not been utilized.
1. Options on Securities Indices . The Fund may purchase and sell call and put options on securities indices and, in so doing, can achieve many of the same objectives it would achieve through the sale or purchase of options on individual securities or other instruments. Options on securities indices are similar to options on a security or other instrument except that, rather than settling by physical delivery of the underlying instrument, they settle by cash settlement, i.e., an option on an index gives the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the index upon which the option is based exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the excess of the closing price of the index over the exercise price of the option, which also may be multiplied by a formula value. The seller of the option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of this amount. The gain or loss on an option on an index depends on price movements in the instruments making up the market, market segment, industry or other composite on which the underlying index is based, rather than price movements in individual securities, as is the case with respect to options on securities.
8
2. General Characteristics of Options . Put options and call options typically have similar structural characteristics and operational mechanics regardless of the underlying instrument on which they are purchased or sold. Thus, the following general discussion relates to each of the particular types of options discussed in greater detail below. In addition, many Strategic Transactions involving options require segregation of the Funds assets in special accounts, as described below under Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts.
A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium, the right to sell, and the writer the obligation to buy, the underlying security, index or other instrument at the exercise price. For instance, the Funds purchase of a put option on a security might be designed to protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in some cases, a similar instrument) against a substantial decline in the market value by giving the Fund the right to sell such instrument at the option exercise price. A call option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the seller the obligation to sell, the underlying instrument at the exercise price. A Funds purchase of a call option on a security, financial future, index or other instrument might be intended to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of the underlying instrument that it intends to purchase in the future by fixing the price at which it may purchase such instrument. The Fund is authorized to purchase and sell exchange listed options. However, the Fund may not purchase or sell over-the-counter options, which are considered illiquid by the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). Exchange-listed options are issued by a regulated intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC), which guarantees the performance of the obligations of the parties to such options. The discussion below uses the OCC as an example, but is also applicable to other financial intermediaries.
With certain exceptions, OCC-issued and exchange-listed options generally settle by physical delivery of the underlying security or currency, although in the future cash settlement may become available. Index options are cash settled for the net amount, if any, by which the option is in-the-money (i.e., where the value of the underlying instrument exceeds, in the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put option, the exercise price of the option) at the time the option is exercised. Frequently, rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying instrument through the process of exercising the option, listed options are closed by entering into offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in ownership of the new option.
The Funds ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller of an OCC or exchange listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon the liquidity of the option market. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a liquid option market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities including reaching daily price limits; (iv) interruption of the normal operations of the OCC or an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or OCC to handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more exchanges to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the relevant market for that option on that exchange would cease to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange would generally continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
9
The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with the hours during which the underlying financial instruments are traded. To the extent that the option markets close before the markets for the underlying financial instruments, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets.
If the Fund sells a call option, the premium that it receives may serve as a partial hedge, to the extent of the option premium, against a decrease in the value of the underlying securities or instruments in its portfolio or will increase its income. The sale of put options can also provide income.
The Fund may purchase and sell call options on equity securities (including convertible securities) that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges, and on securities indices and futures contracts. All calls sold by the Fund must be covered (i.e., the Fund must own the securities or futures contract subject to the call) or must meet the asset segregation requirements described below as long as the call is outstanding. Even though the Fund will receive the option premium to help protect it against loss, a call sold by the Fund exposes it during the term of the option to possible loss of opportunity to realize appreciation in the market price of the underlying security or instrument and may require it to hold a security or instrument which it might otherwise have sold.
The Fund may purchase and sell put options on equity securities (including convertible securities) and on securities indices. The Fund will not sell put options if, as a result, more than 50% of the Funds total assets would be required to be segregated to cover its potential obligations under such put options other than those with respect to futures and options thereon. In selling put options, there is a risk that the Fund may be required to buy the underlying security at a disadvantageous price above the market price.
3. General Characteristics of Futures . The Fund may enter into futures contracts or purchase or sell put and call options on such futures as a hedge against anticipated interest rate or equity market changes, and for duration management, risk management and return enhancement purposes. Futures are generally bought and sold on the commodities exchanges where they are listed with payment of initial and variation margin as described below. The sale of a futures contract creates a firm obligation by the Fund, as seller, to deliver to the buyer the specific type of financial instrument called for in the contract at a specific future time for a specified price (or, with respect to index futures and Eurodollar instruments, the net cash amount). Options on futures contracts are similar to options on securities except that an option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right in return for the premium paid to assume a position in a futures contract and obligates the seller to deliver such position.
The Funds use of futures and options thereon will in all cases be consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and in particular the rules and regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and will be entered into for bona fide hedging, risk management (including duration management) or other portfolio and return enhancement management purposes. Typically, maintaining a futures contract or selling an option thereon requires the Fund to deposit with a financial intermediary as security for its obligations an amount of cash or other specified assets (initial margin) which initially is typically 1% to 10% of the face amount
10
of the contract (but may be higher in some circumstances). Additional cash or assets (variation margin) may be required to be deposited thereafter on a daily basis as the mark to market value of the contract fluctuates. The purchase of an option on financial futures involves payment of a premium for the option without any further obligation on the part of the Fund. If the Fund exercises an option on a futures contract it will be obligated to post initial margin (and potential subsequent variation margin) for the resulting futures position just as it would for any position. Futures contracts and options thereon are generally settled by entering into an offsetting transaction but there can be no assurance that the position can be offset prior to settlement at an advantageous price, nor that delivery will occur.
Foreign futures exchanges may follow trading, settlement and margin procedures that are different from those for U.S. exchanges. Futures contracts traded outside the U.S. may involve greater risk of loss than U.S.-traded contracts, including potentially greater risk of losses due to insolvency of a futures broker, exchange member, or other party that may owe initial or variation margin to the Fund. Because initial and variation margin payments may be measured in foreign currency, a futures contract traded outside the U.S. may also involve the risk of foreign currency fluctuation.
The Fund will not enter into a futures contract or related option (except for closing transactions) if, immediately thereafter, the sum of the amount of its initial margin and premiums on open futures contracts and options thereon would exceed 15% of the Funds total assets (taken at current value); however, in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the time of the purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in calculating the 15% limitation. The segregation requirements with respect to futures contracts and options thereon are described below.
CFTC Exemption . The Fund is being operated by an investment adviser that has claimed an exemption from registration with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act, and therefore the investment adviser is not subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under that Act. This claim of exemption from registration as a commodity pool operator is pursuant to Rule 4.5 promulgated under the Commodity Exchange Act. Specifically, in accordance with the requirements of Rule 4.5(b)(1), the Fund will limit its use if commodity futures contracts and commodity options contracts to no more than (i) five percent (5%) of the Funds liquidation value being committed as aggregate initial premium or margin for such contracts or (ii) one hundred percent (100%) of the Funds liquidation value in aggregate net notional value of commodity futures, commodity options and swaps positions.
4. Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts . Many Strategic Transactions, in addition to other requirements, require that the Fund segregate cash or liquid assets with its custodian to the extent Fund obligations are not otherwise covered through ownership of the underlying security or financial instrument. In general, either the full amount of any obligation by the Fund to pay or deliver securities or assets must be covered at all times by the securities or instruments required to be delivered, or, subject to any regulatory restrictions, an amount of cash or liquid assets at least equal to the current amount of the obligation must be segregated with the custodian. The segregated assets cannot be sold or transferred unless
11
equivalent assets are substituted in their place or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. For example, a call option written by the Fund will require it to hold the securities subject to the call (or securities convertible into the needed securities without additional consideration) or to segregate cash or liquid assets sufficient to purchase and deliver the securities if the call is exercised. A call option sold by the Fund on an index will require it to own portfolio securities which correlate with the index or to segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the excess of the index value over the exercise price on a current basis. A put option written by the Fund requires the Fund to segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the exercise price.
OCC-issued and exchange-listed index options will generally provide for cash settlement. As a result, when the Fund sells these instruments it will only segregate an amount of cash or liquid assets equal to its accrued net obligations, as there is no requirement for payment or delivery of amounts in excess of the net amount. These amounts will equal 100% of the exercise price in the case of a non cash-settled put, the same as an OCC guaranteed listed option sold by the Fund, or the in-the-money amount plus any sell-back formula amount in the case of a cash-settled put or call. In addition, when the Fund sells a call option on an index at a time when the in-the-money amount exceeds the exercise price, the Fund will segregate, until the option expires or is closed out, cash or cash equivalents equal in value to such excess. OCC issued and exchange listed options sold by the Fund other than those above generally settle with physical delivery, or with an election of either physical delivery or cash settlement and the Fund will segregate an amount of cash or liquid assets equal to the full value of the option.
In the case of a futures contract or an option thereon, the Fund must deposit initial margin and possible daily variation margin in addition to segregating cash or liquid assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide securities, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an index-based futures contract. Such liquid assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents, liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets.
Strategic Transactions may be covered by other means when consistent with applicable regulatory policies. The Fund may also enter into offsetting transactions so that its combined position, coupled with any segregated assets, equals its net outstanding obligation in related options and Strategic Transactions. For example, the Fund could purchase a put option if the strike price of that option is the same or higher than the strike price of a put option sold by the Fund. Moreover, instead of segregating cash or liquid assets, if the Fund held a futures or forward contract, it could purchase a put option on the same futures or forward contract with a strike price as high as or higher than the price of the contract held. Other Strategic Transactions may also be offset in combinations. If the offsetting transaction terminates at the time of or after the primary transaction no segregation is required, but if it terminates prior to such time, cash or liquid assets equal to any remaining obligation would need to be segregated.
J. Warrants . The Fund may invest in warrants. The holder of a warrant has the right, until the warrant expires, to purchase a given number of shares of a particular issuer at a specified price. Such investments can provide a greater potential for profit or loss than an equivalent investment in the underlying security. Prices of warrants do not necessarily move, however, in tandem with the prices of the underlying securities and are, therefore, considered speculative investments. Warrants pay no dividends and confer no rights other than a purchase option. Thus, if a warrant held by the Fund were not exercised by the date of its expiration, the Fund would lose the entire purchase price of the warrant.
12
K. Corporate Debt Securities . The Fund may invest in corporate debt securities. Corporate debt securities are bonds or notes issued by corporations and other business organizations, including business trusts, in order to finance their credit needs. Corporate debt securities include commercial paper which consists of short-term (usually from one to two hundred seventy days) unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations in order to finance their current operations. Investments in corporate debt securities involve both credit and interest rate risk. The value of fixed-income securities will fluctuate with changes in interest rates and bond market conditions, tending to rise as interest rates decline and to decline as interest rates rise. Corporate debt securities generally offer less current yield than securities of lower quality, but lower quality securities generally have less liquidity, greater credit and market risk and, as a result, more price volatility. Longer-term bonds are, however, generally more volatile than bonds with shorter maturities.
L. Lower Quality Debt Securities . The Fund may invest in lower-rated securities or comparable unrated securities. These securities (commonly called junk bonds) often are considered to be speculative and involve greater risk of default or price change due to changes in the issuers creditworthiness or changes in economic conditions. The market prices of these securities will fluctuate over time, may fluctuate more than higher quality securities and may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty, which may follow periods of rising interest rates. The market for lower quality securities may be less liquid than the market for securities of higher quality. Furthermore, the liquidity of lower quality securities may be affected by the markets perception of their credit quality. Therefore, judgment may at times play a greater role in valuing these securities than in the case of higher quality securities, and it also may be more difficult during certain adverse market conditions to sell lower quality securities at their fair value to meet redemption requests or to respond to changes in the market.
Lower quality securities present risks based on payment expectations. For example, high yield bonds may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises the provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. Conversely, a high yield bonds value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of the Funds assets. If the Fund experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to sell its high yield bonds without regard to their investment merits, thereby decreasing the asset base upon which the Funds expenses can be spread and possibly reducing the Funds rate of return.
Since the risk of default is higher for lower quality securities and sometimes increases with the age of these securities, the Advisers research and credit analysis are an integral part of managing any securities of this type held by a Fund. In considering investments for the Fund, the Adviser attempts to identify those issuers of high-yielding securities whose financial condition is adequate to meet future obligations, has improved or is expected to improve in the future. The Advisers analysis focuses on relative values based on such factors as interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage, earning prospects, and the experience and managerial strength of the issuer.
13
M. Rule 144A Securities . The Fund may invest in Rule 144A securities that the Adviser determines to be liquid. Rule 144A allows a broader institutional trading market for securities otherwise subject to restrictions on their resale to the general public. Rule 144A establishes a safe harbor from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 of resales of certain securities to qualified institutional buyers. In determining the liquidity of such securities, the Adviser will consider, among other things, the following factors: (i) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (ii) the number of dealers and other potential purchasers or sellers of the security; (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security and (iv) the nature of the security and of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer).
N. Investment Companies Securities . Subject to the restrictions and limitations of the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest in other investment companies including mutual funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs). In addition, the Fund may invest in closed-end funds. As a shareholder of an investment company, the Fund may indirectly bear service and other fees which are in addition to the fees the Fund pays its service providers.
The structure of a closed-end fund poses additional risks than are involved when investing in most open-end funds. For example, closed-end funds generally do not continuously offer their shares for sale. Rather, they sell a fixed number of shares at one time (in the initial public offering), after which the shares typically trade on a secondary market, such as the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market. In addition, closed-end fund shares generally are not redeemable. That is, a closed-end fund is not required to buy its shares back from investors upon request. By comparison, mutual funds issue securities redeemable at net asset value at the option of the shareholder and typically engage in a continuous offering of their shares. If a closed-end funds underlying market falls and the funds discount increases or its premium decreases, the price return of the closed-end fund the actual return to the shareholder will be less than the funds NAV return. Generally, demand for the type of asset class in which a closed-end fund invests will drive changes in and levels of premiums and discounts. Interest rate risk is one of two major factors that trigger changes in a closed-end funds premium/discounts. When interest rates rise, bond prices (and consequently the net asset values of income funds municipal-bond funds, preferred-stock funds, etc.) decline. Declining bond prices may cause a closed-end funds price to decline faster as investors sell their shares in the open market. On the other hand, the opposite scenario also occurs. When rates fall and the net asset values of income-oriented closed-end funds rise, their prices tend to rise faster as investors buy in, resulting in narrower discounts and wider premiums. A second factor that may contribute to changes in premium/discount without necessarily a change in net asset value is low trading volumes and liquidity in the shares of the closed-end fund. Most closed-end funds trade actively, and their shares are liquid. Some funds, however, trade less actively, and may not be very liquid. The market price of a closed-end funds shares may also be affected by its dividend or distribution levels (which are dependent, in part, on expenses), stability of dividends or distributions, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of a closed-end fund. The foregoing factors may result in the market price of the shares of the closed-end fund being greater than, less than or equal to net asset value.
14
Another feature that distinguishes closed-end funds from mutual funds is their ability to leverage a higher percentage of their assets (that is, use borrowed money to buy additional assets). Closed-end funds use several different methods to borrow money issuing preferred stock, entering into reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls, borrowing under bank lines of credit, and so on. Leverage can provide higher yields and potentially higher returns for closed-end fund investors, but it also increases overall risk and the volatility of the investment. The maximum leverage ratio depends on how a closed-end fund leverages its assets 33 1/3% if debt is used, 50% if preferred stock is used. Thus, a closed-end fund with $100 million in net assets may borrow an additional $50 million, so that the borrowed amount ($50 million) is 33 1/3% of the total assets ($150 million). Although closed-end funds rarely de-leverage their assets completely, sometimes such funds may be forced to reduce leverage when the underlying market weakens dramatically, causing the funds total assets to decline to a level where the leverage ratio exceeds the permitted maximum. A forced reduction in leverage can lead to a dividend reduction if the closed-end funds earnings that had been produced by the previously leveraged assets decline.
Closed-end funds usually are offered only once at their initial public offering price and are not actively marketed, although most closed-end funds trade actively and their shares are liquid. The Fund generally will invest in closed-end funds that trade on a national or international exchange. Some closed-end funds trade less actively and may not be very liquid. To the extent that a Fund invests in a thinly-traded closed-end fund, the Fund may be subject to the risk that it cannot close out of a position at any time it desires. When the Fund attempts to trade a greater number of shares than the average daily volume of the closed-end fund, the selling pressure will cause the closed-end funds price to fall and its discount to widen suddenly, causing a sharp decline in the value of the closed-end fund.
ETFs are a type of investment company whose investment objective is to achieve the same return as a particular market index. Legally classified as open-end companies or Unit Investment Trusts (UITs), they differ from mutual funds and UITs in various respects, including that (i) ETFs do not sell individual securities directly to investors, and only issue their shares in large blocks, and (ii) shares of ETFs are available for sale on secondary markets. ETFs in which the Fund may invest include SPDRs, DIAMONDS, and QQQQs. SPDRs are S&P Depositary Receipts that represent ownership in the SPDR Trust, a unit investment trust that holds a portfolio of securities that closely tracks the price performance and dividend yield of the S&P 500 Composite Price Index. SPDRs trade on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol SPY. A MidCap SPDR is similar to a SPDR, except that it tracks the performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Index and trades on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol MDY. DIAMONDS represent ownership in the DIAMONDS Trust, a unit investment trust that serves as an index to the Dow Jones Industrial Average (the Dow) in that its holdings consist of the 30 component stocks of the Dow. DIAMONDS trade on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol DIA. QQQQs (NASDAQ 100 Index Tracking Stock) represent ownership in the NASDAQ 100 Trust, a unit investment trust that attempts to closely track the price and yield performance of the NASDAQ 100 Index by holding shares of all the companies in the Index. QQQQs trade on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol QQQQ. Exchange-traded products also include PowerShares, WisdomTree, iShares, HOLDRs, Fidelity Select Portfolios, Select Sector SPDRs, Fortune e50, Fortune 500, streetTRACKS, and Vanguard ETFs.
15
The Fund may also invest in various sector ETFs, such as the Basic Industries Select Sector Index, Consumer Services Select Sector Index, Consumer Staples Select Sector Index, Cyclical/Transportation Select Sector Index, Energy Select Sector Index, Financial Select Sector Index, Industrial Select Sector Index, Technology Select Sector Index, and Utilities Select Sector Index. Additionally, the Fund may invest in new exchange traded shares as they become available. As a shareholder of an investment company, the Fund will indirectly bear its pro rata portion of service and other fees of such other investment company, which are in addition to the fees the Fund pays its service providers.
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 Funds portfolio turnover rate is a measure of the Funds 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. The Funds portfolio turnover for the period ended October 31, 2014 was 37%, and for the period ended October 31, 2015 was 44%.
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 (a) from a bank, provided that immediately after such borrowing there is an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings of the Fund; or (b) from a bank or other persons for temporary purposes only, provided that such temporary borrowings are in an amount not exceeding 5% of the Funds total assets at the time when the borrowing is made. 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. 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 Funds 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.
16
3. 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.
4. 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).
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Diversification . With respect to 75% of its total assets, the Fund will not purchase securities issued by any one issuer (other than cash, cash items, securities issued or guaranteed by the government of the United States or its agencies or instrumentalities, or securities of other investment companies) if, as a result at the time of such purchase, more than 5% of the value of the Funds total assets would be invested in the securities of that issuer, or if it would own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
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.
17
Other Investment Policies. The Board of Trustees has adopted certain non-fundamental policies and restrictions which are observed in the conduct of the Funds affairs. They differ from fundamental investment policies in that they may be changed or amended by action of the Board without requiring prior notice to, or approval of, the shareholders.
As a matter of non-fundamental policy:
1. The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its total assets in securities that may be considered illiquid, by virtue of the absence of a readily available market, legal or contractual restrictions on resale, longer maturities, or other factors limiting the marketability of the security. Generally, an illiquid security is any security that cannot be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the security. This policy does not apply to the acquisition of restricted securities eligible for resale to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 or commercial paper issued privately under Section 4(2) of that act, when such investments are considered to be liquid by the Adviser.
2. The Fund may not acquire securities of other investment companies, except as permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules, regulations and any applicable exemptive order issued thereunder. Notwithstanding the above, the Fund may not acquire securities of registered open-end investment companies or registered unit investment trusts in reliance on Sections 12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act.
3. The Fund will not purchase securities or evidences of interest thereon on margin. This limitation is not applicable to short-term credit obtained by the Fund for the clearance of purchases and sales or redemption of securities, or to arrangements with respect to transactions involving options, futures contracts, short sales and other permitted investments and techniques.
4. The Fund may not purchase warrants if, as a result, such securities, taken at the lower of cost or market value, would represent more than 5% of the value of the Funds total assets (for this purpose, warrants acquired in units or attached to securities will be deemed to have no value).
5. The Fund may not purchase options, unless the aggregate premiums paid on all such options held by the Fund at any time do not exceed 20% of its total assets; or sell put options, if, as a result, the aggregate value of the obligations underlying such put options would exceed 50% of its total assets.
6. The Fund will not sell put options if, as a result, more than 50% of the Funds total assets would be required to be segregated to cover its potential obligations under such put options other than those with respect to futures and options thereon.
18
The Funds Adviser is Foundry Partners, LLC, 510 First Avenue N. Suite 409, Minneapolis, MN 55403. The Adviser was founded in 2013, and specializes in providing active management to the institutional investment community. The Adviser is controlled by Foundry Management Partners, LLC. Foundry Management Partners, LLC is employee owned, and is controlled by Timothy P. Ford, Seamus M. Murphy, and Amy J. Denn.
Prior to June 21, 2016, the Fund was managed by Dreman Value Management, LLC (Dreman). On June 21, 2016, Foundry acquired certain assets of Dreman, including the advisory agreement for the Fund. As part of this transaction, certain personnel of Dreman, including Mark Roach and Mario Tufano, portfolio managers to the Fund, agreed to transition to Foundry.
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement (the Agreement), the Adviser manages the Funds 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 0.85% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive or limit its fee and reimburse certain Fund operating expenses, until February 28, 2018, so that the ratio of total annual operating expenses does not exceed 1.25% for the Fund. These operating expense limitations do not apply to brokerage fees and commissions, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short), taxes, distribution and shareholder services (12b-1) fees, extraordinary expenses and indirect expenses (such as Fees and Expenses of Acquired Funds). Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses represent the pro rata expense indirectly incurred by the Fund as a result of investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, closed-end funds and money market funds that have their own expenses. The Adviser may be entitled to 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 in place at the time the waiver/reimbursement occurred.
The following table describes the investment advisory fees paid to Dreman, and expenses waived and/or reimbursed for the Fund for the periods shown below.
Fee |
Fiscal Year
ended October 31, 2015 |
Fiscal Year
ended October 31, 2014 |
Fiscal Year
ended October 31, 2013 |
|||||||||
Gross Investment Advisory Fees |
$ | 1,286,733 | $ | 1,132,936 | $ | 684,309 | ||||||
Investment Advisory Fees Waived and/or Expenses Reimbursed |
($ | 67,514 | ) | ($ | 166,367 | ) | ($ | 215,534 | ) | |||
Net Investment Advisory Fees |
$ | 1,219,219 | $ | 966,569 | $ | 468,775 |
19
The Adviser retains the right to use the name Foundry Partners in connection with another investment company or business enterprise with which the Adviser is or may become associated. The Trusts right to use the name Foundry Partners 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.
About the Portfolio Managers
Mark Roach is the Lead Portfolio Manager for the Fund, and he is assisted by Mario Tufano.
As of June 30, 2016, each Portfolio Manager was responsible for the management of the following types of accounts in addition to the Fund. None of the accounts referenced below are subject to a performance fee:
Portfolio Manager |
Investment Companies | Pooled Investment Vehicles | Other Accounts | |||||||||||||||||||||
No. of
Accounts |
Total
Assets |
No. of
Accounts |
Total
Assets |
No. of
Accounts |
Total
Assets |
|||||||||||||||||||
Mark Roach |
__ | $ | __ | __ | $ | __ | __ | $ | __ | |||||||||||||||
Mario Tufano |
__ | $ | __ | __ | $ | __ | __ | $ | __ |
Compensation : Each Portfolio Manager is compensated for his services by the Adviser. Each Portfolio Managers compensation consists of a fixed salary and an annual bonus based on portfolio performance as well as firm revenue. Finally, each Portfolio Manager is also eligible to participate in the Advisers retirement program.
Potential Conflicts of Interest : Potential conflicts of interest may arise because the Portfolio Managers use the same proprietary investment methodology for the Fund as 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 recommend the purchase or sale of various investments to 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 recommendations provided to
20
other clients. This is because the Advisers portfolio recommendations among clients differ based on each clients investment policy guidelines and/or prevailing market conditions at the time such recommendation is made. The Portfolio Managers may also carry on investment activities for their own account(s) and/or the accounts of family members. As a result of these activities, the Portfolio Managers are engaged in substantial activities other than on behalf of the Fund, and may have differing economic interests in respect of such activities.
As of October 31, 2015, the Portfolio Managers beneficially owned the following dollar range of equity securities in the Fund:
Name of Portfolio Manager: |
Dollar Range of Equity Securities
in the Fund |
|
Mark Roach |
$10,001 - $50,000 | |
Mario Tufano |
$1 - $10,000 |
21
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 Boards role with respect to risk oversight specifically. The Trusts committees are responsible for certain aspects of risk oversight relating to financial statements, the valuation of the Trusts 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 Trusts Chief Compliance Officer (the CCO) reports directly to the Board generally with respect to the CCOs 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 Trusts 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 Trusts 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 Trustees ability to participate in the oversight of the Trust and committee transparency.
The Trustees are experienced businesspersons who meet throughout the year to oversee the Trusts 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 and Other Directorships |
Other Directorships |
||
Ira Cohen , 57 Independent Trustee Since June 2010 |
Current : Independent financial services consultant (since February 2005); Executive Vice President of Asset Management Services, Recognos Financial (since August 2015). | Trustee and Audit Committee Chairman, Griffin Institutional Real Estate Access Fund (since May 2014); Trustee, Angel Oak Funds Trust (since October 2014). | ||
Andrea N. Mullins , 49 Independent Trustee Since December 2013 | Current : Private investor; Independent Contractor, Seabridge Wealth Management, LLC (since April 2014). | 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 15 series. |
22
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 , 52 Trustee and Chairman Since June 2010 |
Current : Vice President and Director of Relationship Management, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since December 2015); President, Unified Financial Securities, LLC (since July 2015).
Previous : President, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. (n/k/a Ultimus Asset Services, LLC) (April 2015 to December 2015), Director (May 2014 to December 2015), Senior Vice President (January 2010 to April 2015); Director, Unified Financial Securities, Inc. (n/k/a Unified Financial Securities, LLC) (May 2014 to December 2015); Chief Executive Officer, Huntington Funds (February 2010 to March 2015); Chief Executive Officer, Huntington Strategy Shares (November 2010 to March 2015); President and Chief Executive Officer, Dreman Contrarian Funds (March 2011 to February 2013). |
Trustee and Chairman, Capitol Series Trust (since September 2013). |
* | The address for each trustee and officer is 225 Pictoria Dr., Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246. |
** | As of the date of this SAI, the Trust consists of 15 series. |
The Trusts committees are responsible for certain aspects of risk oversight relating to financial statements, the valuation of the Trusts 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.
23
The Trusts Audit Committee consists of the Independent Trustees. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing each Funds 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 Funds financial statements and the independent audit of the financial statements; and acting as a liaison between the Funds independent auditors and the full Board of Trustees. During the 2015 calendar year, the Audit Committee met five times.
The Pricing Committee of the Board of Trustees is responsible for reviewing and approving the Funds 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 2015 calendar year, the Pricing Committee met four times.
The Governance and Nominating Committee consists of the Independent Trustees and oversees general Trust governance-related matters. The Governance and Nominating Committees 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 2015 calendar year, the Governance and Nominating Committee met four 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 individuals business and professional experience and accomplishments; (2) the individuals ability to work effectively with the other members of the Board; and (3) how the individuals skills, experience and attributes would contribute to an appropriate mix of relevant skills and experience on the Board. In respect of each Trustee, the individuals 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:
Ira Cohen Mr. Cohen has over 34 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 Trusts operations and investments.
Andrea N. Mullins Ms. Mullins has over 21 years of experience in the mutual fund industry, including experience in management, accounting and financial reporting.
24
R. Jeffrey Young Mr. Young has over 22 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 Trusts 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.
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 , 52 Trustee and Chairman Since June 2010
Principal Executive Officer and President Since February 2010. |
Current : Vice President and Director of Relationship Management, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since December 2015); President, Unified Financial Securities, LLC (since July 2015).
Previous : President, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. (n/k/a Ultimus Asset Services, LLC) (April 2015 to December 2015), Director (May 2014 to December 2015), Senior Vice President (January 2010 to April 2015); Director, Unified Financial Securities, Inc. (n/k/a Unified Financial Securities, LLC) (May 2014 to December 2015); Chief Executive Officer, Huntington Funds (February 2010 to March 2015); Chief Executive Officer, Huntington Strategy Shares (November 2010 to March 2015); President and Chief Executive Officer, Dreman Contrarian Funds (March 2011 to February 2013). |
Trustee and Chairman, Capitol Series Trust, since September 2013. | ||
John C. Swhear, 55 Chief Compliance Officer, AML Officer and Vice President Since August 2008 |
Current: Assistant Vice President and Associate Director of Compliance, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since December 2015); Chief Compliance Officer, Unified Financial Securities, LLC (since May 2007); Chief Compliance Officer and AML Officer, Capitol Series Trust (since September 2013).
Previous: Vice President of Legal Administration and Compliance, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. (n/k/a Ultimus Asset Services, LLC) (April 2007 to December 2015), Director (May 2014 to December 2015); Director, Unified Financial Securities, Inc. (n/k/a Unified Financial Securities, LLC) (May 2014 to December 2015); President , Unified Series Trust (March 2012 to January 2016), Senior Vice President (May 2007 to March 2012); Secretary , Huntington Funds (April 2010 to February 2012). |
None. |
25
Name, Address*, (Age), Position with Trust,** Term of Position with Trust |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years |
Other Directorships |
||
Carol J. Highsmith , 51 Vice President Since August 2008
Secretary Since March 2014 |
Current : Assistant Vice President, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since December 2015); Secretary, Cross Shore Discovery Fund (since May 2014.
Previous : Employed in various positions with Huntington Asset Services, Inc. (n/k/a Ultimus Asset Services, LLC) (November 1994 to December 2015), most recently Vice President of Legal Administration (2005 to December 2015). |
None. | ||
Matthew J. Miller , 40 Vice President Since December 2011 |
Current : Assistant Vice President, Relationship Management, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since December 2015); President and Chief Executive Officer, Capitol Series Trust (since September 2013).
Previous : Employed in various positions with Huntington Asset Services, Inc. (n/k/a Ultimus Asset Services, LLC) (since July 1998), most recently Vice President of Relationship Management (2005 to December 2015); Vice President, Huntington Funds (February 2010 to April 2015). |
None. | ||
Bryan W. Ashmus, 43 Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer Since December 2013 |
Current: Vice President and Director of Financial Administration, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since December 2015); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Cross Shore Discovery Fund (since June 2016).
Previous: Vice President and Manager of Financial Administration, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. (n/k/a Ultimus Asset Services, LLC) (September 2013 to December 2015); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Huntington Strategy Shares and Huntington Funds Trust (November 2013 to April 2016); Vice President, Fund Administration, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (from May 2005 to September 2013). |
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 15 series. |
26
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, 2015 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 |
||||
Ira Cohen |
A | A | ||
Andrea N. Mullins |
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.
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* |
||||||||||||
Ira Cohen ** |
$ | 2,067 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 31,000 | ||||||||
Andrea N. Mullins *** |
$ | 2,133 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 32,000 |
* | As of the date of this SAI, the Trust consists of 15 series. Each series, including the Fund, pays a portion of the overall Independent Trustee compensation expenses, which is based on the total number of series in the Trust and the total assets of each series relative to the overall assets of the Trust. The amount for the Aggregate Compensation from the Fund may be higher or lower depending on the allocation over relative net assets of the series in the Trust. Each Independent Trustee receives base compensation of $30,000. Each Independent Trustee also receives additional compensation for serving as the chairperson of one or more of the Trusts standing committees and for participating in special meetings of the Board. |
** | For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, Mr. Ira Cohen received $2,618 from the Fund. |
*** | For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, Ms. Andrea N. Mullins received $2,691 from the Fund. |
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of a fund, under Section 2(a) (9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. 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 Funds fundamental policies or the terms of the management agreement with the Adviser. To the best knowledge of the Trust, the names and addresses of the record and beneficial holders of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Funds voting securities and the
27
percentage of the outstanding shares held by such holders, each as of August 15, 2016, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated below, the Trust has no knowledge as to whether all or any portion of the shares owned of record are also owned beneficially. As of August 15, 2016, the Trustees and officers of the Trust own beneficially 0% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
Institutional Class [to be updated]
Name and Address |
Percentage of Ownership |
|
Investor Class [to be updated]
Name and Address |
Percentage of Ownership |
|
It is not known whether Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Schwab), National Financial Services, LLC (NFS) or any of the underlying beneficial owners owned or controlled beneficially 25% or more of the voting securities of the Fund. As a result, Schwab and NFS may be deemed to control the Fund.
ANTI MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE PROGRAM
Customer identification and verification is part of the Funds 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 Funds transfer agent, Ultimus Asset Services, LLC, subject to oversight by the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer and, ultimately, by the Board of Trustees.
When you open an account with the Fund, the Funds 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 agents 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 Funds 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.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
Subject to policies established by the Board of Trustees, the Adviser is responsible for the Funds portfolio decisions and placing the Funds portfolio transactions. In executing transactions and selecting brokers or dealers for the Fund, the Adviser will seek to obtain the best
28
overall terms available for the Fund. In assessing the best overall terms available for any transaction, the Adviser shall consider such factors as it deems relevant, including the ability of the broker or dealer to settle the trade promptly and accurately, the financial condition of the broker or dealer, the Advisers past experience with similar type trades, and the reasonableness of the commission, if any, both for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis, and other factors that may be unique to a particular order. Recognizing the value of these judgmental factors, the Adviser may select brokers who charge brokerage commission that is higher than the lowest commission that might otherwise be available for any given trade. The sale of Fund shares may not be considered when determining the firms that are to execute brokerage transactions for the Fund. The Adviser will not use soft dollar commissions or rebates by brokerage firms of commissions generated by securities transactions of the Fund executed through those firms to pay expenses of the Adviser.
The following table sets forth the brokerage commissions paid by the Fund on its portfolio brokerage transactions during the fiscal years shown.
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015 |
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2014 |
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2013 |
||
$38,284 |
$52,871 | $30,827 |
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 Advisers Code of Ethics 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 (800) 247-1014. You may also obtain copies of the Trusts Code from documents filed with the SEC and available on the SECs 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
29
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 & Poors, Thomson Reuters 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 15 days after the end of the month. The Rating Agencies may make the Funds top portfolio holdings available on their websites and may make the Funds 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 released under conditions of confidentiality and it is 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 15 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 Funds 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 the 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 Funds 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 applicable 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 the persons described in this paragraph may differ.
30
The Adviser manages products sponsored by companies, and provides services for individuals, other than the Trust, including institutional investors and high net worth persons. In many cases, these other products and service offerings are managed in a similar fashion to the Fund and thus have similar portfolio holdings. The sponsors of these other products or owners of separate accounts that are managed by the Adviser may disclose or have access to the portfolio holdings of their products and 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 Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds 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.
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 Funds 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 Trusts Chief Compliance Officer. There may be instances where the interests of the Trusts 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 persons investment adviser or principal underwriter). In such situations, the conflict must be disclosed to the Board.
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 Trusts policy delegates responsibility regarding proxy voting to the Adviser, subject to the Advisers proxy voting policy and the supervision of the Board of Trustees. The Adviser votes the Funds proxies in accordance with its proxy voting policy, subject to the provisions of the Trusts policy regarding conflicts of interests. The Trusts Proxy Voting Policy and Procedure is attached as Exhibit A. The Advisers Proxy Voting Policy and Procedure is attached as Exhibit B.
31
The Trusts 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 Boards 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 Advisers proxy voting policies and in the best interests of Fund shareholders.
You may also obtain a copy of the Trusts and the Advisers proxy voting policy by calling Shareholder Services at (800) 247-1014 to request a copy, or by writing to Ultimus Asset Services, LLC, the Funds transfer agent, at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246. 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 SECs 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 30th will be filed by the Fund with the SEC on Form N-PX. The Funds 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 SECs 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 Funds securities to materially affect the net asset value. The Trust is open for business on every day on which the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for trading. The NYSE is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and the following holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents 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 Funds 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
32
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 Funds 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 Funds 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 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. |
33
A Non-U.S. shareholder is a beneficial owner of shares of the Fund that is an individual, corporation, trust or estate 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 advisers with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of its Fund shares.
Taxation as a RIC. The Fund intends to qualify and remain qualified as a RIC under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Internal Revenue Code). 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 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% source-of-income test it is no longer subject to a 35% penalty as long as such failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect. Instead, the amount of the penalty for non-compliance is the amount by which the non-qualifying income exceeds one-ninth of the qualifying gross income.
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 Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds 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.
34
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, meaning that the failure does not exceed the lesser of 1% of the RICs assets, or $10 million. 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 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 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. To avoid the 4% federal excise tax, the required minimum distribution is generally equal to the sum of (i) 98% of the Funds ordinary income (computed on a calendar year basis), (ii) 98.2% of the Funds 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.
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 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
35
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 Funds investment company taxable income (discussed above) 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.
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 Funds distribution of Capital Gain Dividends. Capital loss carryforwards are reduced to the extent they offset current-year net realized capital gains, whether the Fund retains or distributes such gains. 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). 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.
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 Funds shareholders of such income and gain will not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income. In such event, the Funds distributions, to the extent derived from the Funds 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 taxation, provided in each case that certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied.
Distributions in excess of the Funds 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 requalify 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 requalification as a RIC.
36
Taxation for U.S. Shareholders. Distributions paid to U.S. shareholders by the Fund from its investment company taxable income (which is, generally, the Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds 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 provides for a maximum 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% for such gain. Distributions in excess of the Funds 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. shareholders 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). The Fund is not required to provide written notice designating the amount of any qualified dividend income or capital gain dividends and other distributions. The Form 1099 will instead serve this notice purpose.
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. The Fund intends, in general, to apportion these items in the same proportion that dividends paid to each shareholder bear to the Funds taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction).
For purpose 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.
37
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 shareholders 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, currently a maximum of 39.6%, while long-term capital gain generally will be taxed at a maximum rate of 20%. Capital losses are subject to certain limitations.
Federal law requires that mutual fund companies report their shareholders cost basis, gain/loss, and holding period to the Internal Revenue Service on the Funds 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.
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 Funds standing tax
38
lot identification method is the method under which 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 Funds 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.
Current law provides that 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 advisers regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in the Fund.
Commodities . In August, 2011, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) suspended the issuance of private letter rulings that authorizing favorable tax treatment for funds that invest indirectly in commodities or derivatives based upon commodities through Controlled Foreign Corporation and Commodity-Linked Notes. The IRS has previously issued a number of private letter rulings to funds in this area, concluding that such investments generate qualifying income for RIC qualification purposes. It is unclear how long this suspension will last. The IRS has not indicated that any previously issued rulings in this area will be affected by this suspension. This suspension of guidance by the IRS suggests that the tax treatment of such investments is now subject to some uncertainty.
Options, Futures, Forward Contracts, Swap Agreements, Hedges, Straddles and Other Transactions . In general, option premiums received by the Fund are not immediately included in the income of the Fund. Instead, the premiums are recognized (i) when the option contract expires, (ii) the option is exercised by the holder, or (iii) the Fund transfers or otherwise terminates the option (e.g., through a closing transaction). If a call option written by the Fund is exercised and the Fund sells or delivers the underlying stock, the Fund generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to (a) sum of the strike price and the option premium received by the Fund minus (b) the Funds basis in the stock. Such gain or loss generally will be short-term or long-term depending upon the holding period of the underlying stock. If securities are purchased by the Fund pursuant to the exercise of a put option written by it, the Fund generally will subtract the premium received for purposes of computing its cost basis in the securities purchased. The gain or loss that may arise in respect of any termination of the Funds obligation under an option other than through the exercise of the option will be short-term gain or loss, depending on whether the premium income received by the Fund is greater or less than the amount paid by the Fund (if any) in terminating the transaction. Thus, for example, if an option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund generally will recognize short-term gain equal to the premium received.
39
Certain covered call writing activities of the Fund may trigger the U.S. federal income tax straddle rules of Section 1092 of the Internal Revenue Code, requiring that losses be deferred and holding periods be tolled on offsetting positions in options and stocks deemed to constitute substantially similar or related property. Options on single stocks that are not deep in the money may constitute qualified covered calls, which generally are not subject to the straddle rules; the holding period on stock underlying qualified covered calls that are in the money although not deep in the money will be suspended during the period that such calls are outstanding. Thus, the straddle rules and the rules governing qualified covered calls could cause gains that would otherwise constitute long-term capital gains to be treated as short-term capital gains, and distributions that would otherwise constitute qualified dividend income or qualify for the dividends-received deduction to fail to satisfy the holding period requirements and therefore to be taxed as ordinary income or fail to qualify for the 70% dividends-received deduction, as the case may be.
The tax treatment of certain futures contracts entered into by the Fund as well as listed non-equity options written or purchased by the Fund on U.S. exchanges (including options on futures contracts, equity indices and debt securities) will be governed by section 1256 of the Internal Revenue Code (Section 1256 Contracts). Gains or losses on Section 1256 Contracts generally are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses (60/40), although certain foreign currency gains and losses from such contracts may be treated as ordinary in character. Also, Section 1256 Contracts held by the Fund at the end of each taxable year (and, for purposes of the 4% excise tax, on certain other dates as prescribed under the Internal Revenue Code) are marked to market with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized and the resulting gain or loss is treated as ordinary or 60/40 gain or loss, as applicable.
In addition to the special rules described above in respect of futures and options transactions, the Funds transactions in other derivative instruments (e.g., forward contracts and swap agreements) as well as any of its other hedging, short sale or similar transactions, may be subject to one or more special tax rules (e.g., notional principal contract, straddle, constructive sale, wash sale and short sale rules). These rules may affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Fund are treated as ordinary or capital or as short-term or long-term, accelerate the recognition of income or gains to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, and cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Funds securities. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and/or character of distributions to shareholders. Because these and other tax rules applicable to these types of transactions are in some cases uncertain under current law, an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance may be retroactive) may affect whether the Fund has made sufficient distributions, and otherwise satisfied the relevant requirements, to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid the Fund-level tax. The Fund will monitor its transactions, will make appropriate tax elections and will make appropriate entries in its books and records in order to mitigate the effect of these rules.
40
Certain of the Funds investments in derivative instruments and foreign currency-denominated instruments, and any of the Funds transactions in foreign currencies and hedging activities, are likely to produce a difference between the Funds book income and the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any). If there is a difference between the Funds book income and the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any), the Fund may be required to distribute amounts in excess of its book income or a portion of Fund distributions may be treated as a return of capital to shareholders. If the Funds book income exceeds the sum of its taxable income (including realized capital gains) and net tax-exempt income (if any), the distribution (if any) of such excess generally will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Funds remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter, as a return of capital to the extent of the recipients basis in the shares, and (iii) thereafter, as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. If the Funds book income is less than the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any), the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.
Original Issue Discount, Pay-In-Kind Securities, Market Discount and Commodity-Linked Notes . 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 Funds 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 obligations 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 Funds 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 Funds 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. See Higher-Risk Securities.
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
41
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.
Higher-Risk Securities . To the extent such investments are permissible for the Fund, the Fund may invest in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated, including debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest or who are in default. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income. In limited circumstances, it may also not be clear whether the Fund should recognize market discount on a debt obligation, and if so, what amount of market discount the Fund should recognize. These and other related issues will be addressed by the Fund when, as and if they invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a regulated investment company and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.
Exchange-Traded Notes and Privately Issued Notes . The Fund may invest in ETNs, which are debt securities of an issuer that are listed and traded on U.S. stock exchanges or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market. Privately issued notes are similar to ETNs except that they are not listed and traded on U.S. stock exchanges or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market. The U.S. federal income tax treatment of ETNs and privately issued note is uncertain in many respects. The IRS has issued very limited guidance. Most ETN prospectuses, PPMs, and SAIs decline to address issues applicable to a RICs investment in an ETN in light of the uncertainty.
Although ETNs and privately issued notes are in form indebtedness, they are generally not treated as debt for tax purposes because the return on such a note does not have a clear interest component that is based primarily upon the time value of money. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, in most cases the issuer of the ETN or privately issued note and the
42
investors agree to treat all such notes, except certain currency ETNs, as prepaid executory contracts (such as a forward contract) with respect to the relevant index. If such a note were treated in this manner, investors would recognize gain or loss upon the sale, redemption, or maturity of their note in an amount equal to the difference between the amount they receive at such time and their tax basis in the note. Investors generally agree to treat such gain or loss as capital gain or loss, except with respect to those notes for which investors agree to treat such gain or loss as ordinary. Investors in instruments characterized as prepaid forward contracts typically, although not invariably, take the position that they are not required to accrue any income other than stated coupons, if any.
One key question is whether the income generated by an ETN or privately issued notes is good income for purposes of the RIC qualification tests. There is some uncertainty on this subject. The general approach in this regard is to look to the underlying benchmark or strategy. Certain benchmarks or strategies are similar to investments that produce good income and thus the thinking is that the ETNs or privately issued notes would produce good income. On the other hand, other benchmarks or strategies are similar to investments that do not produce good income and thus such ETNs or privately issued notes would not produce good income. Note, however, that there is no guidance on this subject.
Issuer Deductibility of Interest . A portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high yield discount obligations owned by the Fund may not be deductible to (and thus, may affect the cash flow of) the issuer. If a portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high yield discount obligations is not deductible, that portion will be treated as a dividend for purposes of the corporate dividends-received deduction. In such cases, if the issuer of the high yield discount obligations is a domestic corporation, dividend payments by the Fund may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction to the extent of the deemed dividend portion of such accrued interest.
Interest paid on debt obligations owned by the Fund, if any, that are considered for U.S. tax purposes to be payable in the equity of the issuer or a related party will not be deductible to the issuer, possibly affecting the cash flow of the issuer.
Certain Investments in REITs and REMICs . To the extent such investments are permissible for the Fund, the Fund may invest in REITs. The Funds investments in REIT equity securities may result in the Funds receipt of cash in excess of the REITs earnings; if the Fund distributes such amounts, such distribution could constitute a return of capital to Fund shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Investments in REIT equity securities may also require the Fund to accrue and to distribute income not yet received. To generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio (including when it is not advantageous to do so) that it otherwise would not have continued to hold. Dividends received by the Fund from a REIT will not qualify for the corporate dividends-received deduction and generally will not constitute qualified dividend income.
The Fund may invest directly or indirectly in residual interests of real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs) (including by investing in residual interests in CMOs with respect to which an election to be treated as a REMIC is in effect) or equity interests in taxable
43
mortgage pools (TMPs). Under a notice issued by the IRS in October 2006 and Treasury regulations that have yet to be issued but may apply retroactively, a portion of the Funds income (including income allocated to the Fund from a REIT or other pass-through entity) that is attributable to a residual interest in a REMIC or an equity interest in a TMP (referred to in the Internal Revenue Code as an excess inclusion) will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in all events. This notice also provides, and the regulations are expected to provide, that excess inclusion income of a regulated investment company, such as the Fund, will be allocated to shareholders of the regulated investment company in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related interest directly. As a result, should the Fund invest in such interests, it may not be a suitable investment for charitable remainder trusts, as noted below.
In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) to entities subject to tax on unrelated business income (including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan or other tax-exempt entity), thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income and otherwise might not be required to file a U.S. federal income tax return, to file such a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a non-U.S. shareholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax (discussed below).
Tax-Exempt Shareholders . A tax-exempt shareholder could recognize 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 REMICs or equity interests in TMPs if the amount of such income recognized by the Fund exceeds the Funds 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
44
shareholders distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholders 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.
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) that 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 Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds 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.
45
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. The Fund does not expect to be eligible to pass through to shareholders a credit or deduction for such taxes.
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.
Under U.S. federal tax law, dividends paid on shares beneficially held by a person who is a foreign person within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code, are, in general, subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% of the gross dividend, which may, in some cases, be reduced by an applicable tax treaty. However, if a beneficial holder who is a foreign person has a permanent establishment in the United States, and the shares held by such beneficial holder are effectively connected with such permanent establishment and, in addition, the dividends are effectively connected with the conduct by the beneficial holder of a trade or business in the United States, the dividend will be subject to U.S. federal net income taxation at regular income tax rates. Distributions of long-term net realized capital gains will not be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax.
Under legislation originally enacted in 2004, which was extended, the Fund was generally able to designate certain distributions to foreign persons as being derived from certain net interest income or net short-term capital gains and such designated distributions were generally not subject to U.S. tax withholding. Although the Fund made allowable designations for dividends declared, the provision expired for the Funds tax years beginning after 2012. Although the U.S. Congress is considering an extension of the provision, there can be no assurance that the provision will be extended. If the provision is extended, distributions that are derived from any dividends on corporate stock or from ordinary income other than U.S. source interest would still be subject to withholding. Foreign currency gains, foreign source interest, and ordinary income from swaps or investments in PFICs would still be subject to withholding when distributed to foreign investors. There can be no assurance as to the amount of distributions that would not be subject to withholding when paid to foreign persons.
Effective January 1, 2014, the Fund is required to withhold U.S. tax (at a 30% rate) on payments of taxable dividends and (effective January 1, 2015) redemption proceeds made to certain non-U.S. entities that fail to comply (or be deemed compliant) with extensive new reporting and withholding requirements designed to inform the U.S. Department of the Treasury of U.S.-owned foreign investment accounts. Shareholders may be requested to provide additional information to the Fund to enable the Fund to determine whether withholding is required.
46
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 shareholders sale of shares of the Fund or to the Capital Gain Dividend the foreign shareholder received (as described below).
Special rules would apply if the Fund was either a U.S. real property holding corporation (USRPHC) or would be a USRPHC but for the operation of certain exceptions to the definition thereof. Very generally, a USRPHC is a domestic corporation that holds USRPIs the fair market value of which equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market values of the corporations USPRIs, interests in real property located outside the United States, and other assets. USRPIs are generally defined as any interest in U.S. real property and any interest (other than solely as a creditor) in a USRPHC or former USRPHC.
If the Fund was a USRPHC or would be a USRPHC but for the exceptions referred to above, any distributions by the Fund to a foreign shareholder (including, in certain cases, distributions made by the Fund in redemption of its shares) attributable to gains realized by the Fund on the disposition of USRPIs or to distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier regulated investment company or REIT that the Fund is required to treat as USRPI gain in its hands generally would be subject to U.S. tax withholding. In addition, such distributions could result in the foreign shareholder being required to file a U.S. tax return and pay tax on the distributions at regular U.S. federal income tax rates. The consequences to a foreign shareholder, including the rate of such withholding and character of such distributions (e.g., as ordinary income or USRPI gain), would vary depending upon the extent of the foreign shareholders current and past ownership of the Fund. On and after January 1, 2012, this look-through USRPI treatment for distributions by the Fund, if it were either a USRPHC or would be a USRPHC but for the operation of the exceptions referred to above, to foreign shareholders applies only to those distributions that, in turn, are attributable to distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier REIT, unless Congress enacts legislation providing otherwise.
In addition, if the Fund was a USRPHC or former USRPHC, it could be required to withhold U.S. tax on the proceeds of a share redemption by a greater-than-5% foreign shareholder, in which case such foreign shareholder generally would also be required to file U.S. tax returns and pay any additional taxes due in connection with the redemption.
Whether or not the Fund is characterized as a USRPHC will depend upon the nature and mix of the Funds assets. The Fund does not expect to be a USRPHC. Foreign shareholders should consult their tax advisors concerning the application of these rules to their investment in the Fund.
47
If a beneficial holder of the Funds shares who is a foreign shareholder has a trade or business in the United States, and the dividends are effectively connected with the beneficial holders 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 the Funds 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-US 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.
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% for amounts paid through 2012. This rate will expire and the backup withholding rate will be 31% for amounts paid after December 31, 2012, unless Congress enacts tax legislation providing otherwise.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholders U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.
FATCA . Payments to a shareholder that is either a foreign financial institution (FFI) or a non-financial foreign entity (NFFE) within the meaning of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) may be subject to a generally nonrefundable 30% withholding tax on: (a) income dividends paid by the Fund after June 30, 2014 and (b) certain capital gain distributions and the proceeds arising from the sale of Fund shares paid by the Fund after December 31, 2016. FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided: (a) by an FFI, subject to any applicable intergovernmental agreement or other exemption, if it enters into a valid agreement with the IRS to, among other requirements, report required information about certain direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI and (b) by an NFFE, if it: (i) certifies that it has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) if it does have such owners, reports information relating to them. The Fund may disclose the information that it receives from its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA. Withholding also may be required if a foreign entity that is a shareholder of the Fund fails to provide the Fund with appropriate certifications or other documentation concerning its status under FATCA.
48
Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations . Under U.S. Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the Funds 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 taxpayers 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 8938s 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 in Form 8938 itself and related Treasury regulations, it remains unclear under what circumstances, if any, a shareholders (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 . Rules 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 only very preliminary guidance 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 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
49
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
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.
Huntington National Bank, 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, is Custodian of the Funds investments. The Custodian acts as the Funds depository, safekeeps its portfolio securities, collects all income and other payments with respect thereto, disburses funds at the Funds request and maintains records in connection with its duties.
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC (Ultimus) (formerly Huntington Asset Services, Inc.), 225 Pictoria Dr., Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246, acts as the Funds transfer agent, fund accountant, and administrator. Ultimus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the parent company of the Distributor. The officers of the Trust also are officers and/or employees of Ultimus.
Ultimus maintains the records of each shareholders account, answers shareholders inquiries concerning their accounts, processes purchases and redemptions of the Funds shares, acts as dividend and distribution disbursing agent and performs other transfer agent and shareholder service functions. In addition, Ultimus provides the Fund with fund accounting services, which includes certain monthly reports, record-keeping and other management-related services. Ultimus also provides the Fund with administrative services, including all regulatory reporting and necessary office equipment, personnel and facilities. The Fund pays Ultimus a monthly fee for these services, which is based on an annual minimum of $80,000.
50
Ultimus received the following administrative fees from the Fund during the fiscal years indicated.
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015 |
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2014 |
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2013 |
||
$256,669 |
$184,278 | $162,175 |
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The firm of has been selected as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the Fund for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2016. will perform an annual audit of the Funds financial statements and will provide financial, tax and accounting services as requested.
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, serves as legal counsel for the Trust and Funds.
Unified Financial Securities, LLC, 9465 Counselors Row, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46240 (the Distributor), is the exclusive agent for distribution of shares of the Fund. Certain officers of the Trust are also officers of the Distributor, and each may be deemed to be an affiliate of the Distributor. The Distributor and Ultimus are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC.
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.
For its services as the principal underwriter of the Funds shares, the Distributor receives a monthly fee, paid by the Adviser and not by the Fund or the Trust, at the rate of 0.01% of the average daily net assets of the Trust, subject to a monthly minimum fee. This monthly minimum fee is calculated at $300 times the number of funds offered by the Trust. The Distributor is also reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses which include but are not limited to: printing, postage and handling, shipping, record storage, legal expenses associated with negotiating customized agreements with selling group counterparties and regulatory filing fees and all other expenses incurred on behalf of the Trust. Additional fees not contemplated in this schedule will be negotiated on a per occurrence basis.
During the most recent fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, the Fund did not pay the Distributor any commissions or other compensation. The Distributor may receive Distribution (i.e. Rule 12b-1) fees from the Fund in connection with the sale of shares and servicing of shareholders.
51
The Fund has adopted a Rule 12b-1 plan for its Investor Class shares, under which the Fund can pay a fee of up to 0.25% of the Funds average daily net assets of Investor Class shares. The plan with respect to the Fund was approved by a majority of the Board of Trustees, at a meeting on December 11, 2013.
The Rule 12b-1 plan described above provides that the Fund will pay the Adviser and/or any registered securities dealer, financial institution or any other person (a Recipient) a shareholder servicing fee in connection with the promotion and distribution of Fund 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 and/or its 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 Rule 12b-1 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 the applicable shareholders because an effective sales program typically is necessary in order for the Fund to reach and maintain a sufficient size to achieve efficiently its investment objectives and to realize economies of scale.
The Trust and the Adviser have entered into a Distribution Coordination Agreement pursuant to which the Adviser agrees to coordinate the distribution of each class of shares of the Fund, for which the Fund pays the Adviser the 12b-1 fee described above.
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, the Fund accrued $156,151 in 12b-1 fees with respect to Investor Class shares.
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, $31,699 of Rule 12b-1 fees were allocated as payment to dealers, and $124,452 was allocated as reimbursements to the Adviser for omnibus account payments and other eligible expenses.
The financial statements and the report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm required to be included in the Statement of Additional Information are incorporated herein by reference to the Funds Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal period ended October 31, 2015. You can obtain the Annual Report without charge by calling Shareholder Services at (800) 247-1014 or upon written request to:
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC
P.O. Box 46707
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707
52
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 the Fund (each an Advisor and, collectively, the Advisors), as the entity that selects the individual securities that comprise its Funds 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 the Fund to make decisions on how to cast proxy votes on behalf of such Fund.
The Trust hereby designates the Advisor of the Fund as the entity responsible for exercising proxy voting authority with regard to securities held in the Funds 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 Advisors 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 the Funds 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 Funds 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 Advisors 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 Boards decision.
A-1
Availability of Proxy Voting Policy and Records Available to Fund Shareholders
If the Fund has a website, the Fund may post a copy of its Advisors proxy voting policy and this Policy on such website. A copy of such policies and of the Funds proxy voting record shall also be made available, without charge, upon request of any shareholder of the Fund, by calling the applicable Funds toll-free telephone number as printed in the Funds prospectus. The Trusts 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 Trusts administrator within 15 days following the end of each calendar quarter. The Trusts 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 31st of each year.
A-2
Foundry Partners, LLC
Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures
[to be added]
B-1
Governance and Nominating Committee Charter
Valued Advisers Trust
Governance and Nominating Committee Membership
1. The Governance and Nominating Committee (the 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 (the Board), including the Independent Trustees. The Committee shall evaluate candidates qualifications for Board membership and their independence from the investment advisers to the Trusts series portfolios and the Trusts 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, as amended (the 1940 Act) nor shall Independent Trustee have any 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.
3. The Committee shall periodically review the composition of the Board 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 Board.
C-1
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 Board. |
APPENDIX A TO THE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHARTER
VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
PROCEDURES WITH RESPECT TO NOMINEES TO THE BOARD
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.
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.
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 candidates 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 candidates educational background; (iv) the candidates 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 Boards existing mix of skills, core competencies and qualifications; (vi) the candidates perceived ability to contribute to the ongoing functions of the
C-2
Board, including the candidates ability and commitment to attend meetings regularly and work collaboratively with other members of the Board; (vii) the candidates 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.
C-3
PART C
FORM N-1A
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 28. Exhibits .
(a)(1) | Certificate of Trust - Incorporated by reference to Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 filed May 30, 2014 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(d)(2) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Long Short Advisors, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(d)(3) | Investment Subadvisory Agreement between Long Short Advisors, LLC and Prospector Partners, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 filed September 25, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(d)(4) |
(i) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Cloud Capital, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants 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 Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 filed September 28, 2012 (File No. 811-22208). |
||
(d)(5) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Kovitz Investment Group Partners, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 238 filed May 31, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(d)(6) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Granite Investment Advisors, Inc Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 filed December 20, 2011 (File No. 811-22208). |
(d)(7) |
(i) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and BRC Investment Management LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 filed December 20, 2012 (File No. 811-22208). |
|
(ii) Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and BRC Investment Management LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 137 filed February 28, 2014 (File No. 811-22208). |
||
(d)(8) |
(i) Interim Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Foundry Partners, LLC Filed herewith. |
|
(ii) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Foundry Partners To be filed. |
||
(d)(9) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC, with respect to the SMI Dynamic Allocation Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed February 20, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(d)(10) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC, with respect to the Sound Mind Investing Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 filed February 22, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(d)(11) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC, with respect to the Sound Mind Investing Balanced Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 filed February 22, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(d)(12) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed September 23, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(d)(13) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Dana Large Cap Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 filed October 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(d)(14) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and BRC Investment Management LLC with respect to the BRC Mid Cap Diversified Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 197 filed March 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(d)(15) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC with respect to the SMI Bond Fund and the SMI 50/40/10 Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 208 filed April 27, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(d)(16) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Dana Small Cap Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 filed November 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(e)(1) | Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Unified Financial Securities, LLC, and Kovitz Investment Group Partners, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 filed February 24, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(e)(2) | Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Unified Financial Securities, LLC, and SMI Advisory Services, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 227 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). |
(e)(3) | Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Unified Financial Securities, LLC, and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 228 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(e)(4) | Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Unified Financial Securities, LLC and BRC Investment Management, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 229 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(e)(5) |
Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Unified Financial Securities, LLC and Granite Investment Advisors, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 230 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). |
|
(e)(6) | Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Unified Financial Securities, LLC and Foundry Partners, LLC Filed herewith. | |
(e)(7) | Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Unified Financial Securities, LLC and Golub Group, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 238 filed May 31, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(f) | Not applicable. | |
(g)(1) | Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank Incorporated by reference to Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 filed December 16, 2010 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(g)(5) | Custody Agreement between the Trust and FOLIO fn Investments, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Cloud Capital, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 filed June 23, 2011 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(h)(4) | Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Kovitz Investment Group, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 filed November 22, 2011 (File No. 811-22208). |
(h)(5) | Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Granite Investment Advisors, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 filed December 20, 2011 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(h)(6) |
(i) Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and BRC Investment Management LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 filed December 20, 2012 (File No. 811-22208). |
|
(ii) Amended Schedule A to the Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and BRC Investment Management LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 197 filed March 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). |
||
(iii) Second amendment to the Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Ultimus Asset Services, LLC and BRC Investment Management LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 229 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). |
||
(h)(7) | Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Ultimus Asset Services, LLC. and Foundry Partners, LLC Filed herewith. | |
(h)(8) |
(i) Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and SMI Advisory Services, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed February 20, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). |
|
(ii) Restated Amendment to the Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and SMI Advisory Services, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 227 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). |
||
(h)(9) | Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed (September 23, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(h)(10) |
(i) Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 filed October 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). |
|
(ii) Amendment to the Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 filed November 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). |
||
(h)(11) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Long Short Advisors, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 filed September 25, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(h)(12) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Golub Group, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 238 filed May 31, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(h)(13) | Expense Limitation and Fee Waiver Agreement between the Trust and Cloud Capital, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 186 filed January 20, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). |
(h)(14) |
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Kovitz Investment Group Parners, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 filed February 24, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(h)(15) |
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Granite Investment Advisors, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 230 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(h)(16) |
Amended Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and BRC Investment Management LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 119 filed May 30, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(h)(17) |
(i) Interim Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Foundry Partners, LLC Filed herewith. |
|
(ii) Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Foundry Partners, LLC To be filed. |
||
(h)(18) |
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC with respect to the Sound Mind Investing Fund, the SMI Conservative Allocation Fund, and the SMI Dynamic Allocation Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 227 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(h)(19) |
Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 filed September 28, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(h)(20) |
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Dana Large Cap Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 filed October 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(h)(21) |
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and BRC Investment Management LLC with respect to the BRC Mid Cap Diversified Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 197 filed March 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(h)(22) |
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC with respect to the SMI Bond Fund and the SMI 50/40/10 Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 208 filed April 27, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(h)(23) |
Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Dana Small Cap Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 filed November 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(i)(1) |
Opinion and Consent of Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP, Legal Counsel, with respect to Golub Group Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants 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 LS Opportunity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(i)(3) |
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 Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 filed June 23, 2011 (File No. 811-22208). |
(i)(4) | 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 Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 238 filed May 31, 2016 (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 Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 filed November 10, 2011 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(i)(6) | Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the LS Opportunity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 filed September 25, 2015 (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 Granite Value Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 filed December 20, 2011 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(i)(8) | Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Cloud Capital Strategic All Cap Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 217 filed September 28, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(i)(9) | 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 Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 filed December 20, 2012 (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 Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund (now known as the Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund) Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(i)(11) | 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 Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed February 20, 2013 (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 Sound Mind Investing Fund and the Sound Mind Investing Balanced Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(i)(13) | 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 Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 filed February 24, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(i)(14) | Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Granite Value Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 230 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(i)(15) | Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the BFS Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed September 23, 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 Dana Large Cap Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 filed October 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(i)(17) | Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund and the BRC Mid Cap Diversified Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 229 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(i)(18) | Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Dana Large Cap Equity Fund and the Dana Small Cap Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 228 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(i)(19) | Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund (now known as the Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund) Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 231 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(i)(20) | Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Sound Mind Funds Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 227 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(i)(21) | Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the BRC Mid Cap Diversified Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 197 filed March 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(i)(22) | Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the BFS Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 filed September 28, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(i)(23) | Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the SMI Bond Fund and the SMI 50/40/10 Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 208 filed April 27, 2015 (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 Dana Small Cap Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 filed November 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(j)(1) | Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to Golub Group Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 238 filed May 31, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(j)(2) | Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to LS Opportunity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 filed September 25, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(j)(3) | Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Cloud Capital Strategic All Cap Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 217 filed September 28, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). |
(j)(4) | Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 filed February 24, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(j)(5) | Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Granite Value Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 230 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(j)(6) | Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund and the BRC Mid Cap Diversified Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 229 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(j)(7) | Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund (now known as the Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund) Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 231 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(j)(8) | Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Sound Mind Funds Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 227 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(j)(9) | Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the BFS Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 218 filed September 28, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(j)(10) | Consent of Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Dana Large Cap Equity Fund and the Dana Small Cap Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 228 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(k) | Not applicable. | |
(l) | Initial Capital Agreement Incorporated by reference to Registrants 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 Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 filed March 10, 2009 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(m)(2) | 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 Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 filed June 23, 2011 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(m)(3) | Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Granite Value Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 filed December 20, 2011 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(m)(4) |
(i) Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 filed December 20, 2012 (File No. 811-22208). |
|
(ii) Amended Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund and BRC Mid Cap Diversified Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 197 filed March 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). |
(m)(5) | Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund (now known as the Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund) Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(m)(6) | Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for BFS Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed September 23, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(m)(7) | Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Dana Large Cap Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 filed October 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(m)(8) | Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Dana Small Cap Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 filed November 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(n)(1) |
(i) Rule 18f-3 Plan for BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 filed December 20, 2012 (File No. 811-22208). |
|
(ii) Amended Rule 18f-3 Plan for BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund and BRC Mid Cap Diversified Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 197 filed March 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). |
||
(n)(2) | Rule 18f-3 Plan for Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund Filed herewith. | |
(n)(3) | Rule 18f-3 Plan for Dana Large Cap Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 filed October 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(n)(4) | Rule 18f-3 Plan for Dana Small Cap Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 filed November 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(o) | Reserved. | |
(p)(1) | Code of Ethics for the Trust Incorporated by reference to Registrants 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 Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 filed March 10, 2009 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(p)(3) | Code of Ethics for Long Short Advisors, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(p)(4) | Code of Ethics for Unified Financial Securities, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Registrants Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(p)(5) | Code of Ethics for Cloud Capital, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 filed June 23, 2011 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(p)(6) | Code of Ethics for Kovitz Investment Group, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 filed November 10, 2011 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(p)(7) | Code of Ethics for Granite Investment Advisors, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 93 filed December 13, 2012 (File No. 811-22208). |
(p)(8) | Code of Ethics for BRC Investment Management LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 filed December 20, 2012 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(p)(9) | Code of Ethics for Foundry Partners, LLC Filed herewith. | |
(p)(10) | Code of Ethics for SMI Advisory Services, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed February 20, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(p)(11) | Code of Ethics for Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed September 23, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(p)(12) | Code of Ethics for Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 filed October 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(p)(13) | Code of Ethics for Prospector Partners, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 filed September 25, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). | |
(q) | Powers of Attorney Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 filed June 18, 2010 (File No. 811-22208); and Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 filed February 3, 2014 (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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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. |
ITEM 31. | Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser . |
See the Trusts 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, LLC also serves as a principal underwriter for the following investment companies: American Pension Investors Trust, Bruce Fund, Inc., H C Capital Trust, Mutual Fund and Variable Insurance Trust, Unified Series Trust, Capitol Series Trust, Commonwealth International Series Trust, and Cross Shore Discovery Fund. |
(b) | The directors and officers of Unified Financial Securities, LLC are as follows: |
Name |
Title |
Position with Trust |
||
R. Jeffrey Young* | President | Trustee and President | ||
John C. Swhear** | Chief Compliance Officer |
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer |
||
Karyn E. Cunningham** | Controller | None |
* | The principal business address of this individual is 2 Easton Oval, Columbus, OH 43219 |
** | The principal business address of this individual is 9465 Counselors Row, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46240 |
*** | The principal business address of this individual is 225 Pictoria Dr., Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246 |
(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, Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund, Granite Value Fund, BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund, BRC Mid Cap Diversified Equity Fund, Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund, BFS Equity Fund, Dana Large Cap Equity Fund, Dana Small Cap Equity Fund, Sound Mind Investing Fund, SMI Conservative Allocation Fund, SMI Dynamic Allocation Fund, SMI Bond Fund, and SMI 50/40/10 Fund). |
(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) | 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). |
(e) | Unified Financial Securities, LLC, 9465 Counselors Row, Suite 200, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240 (records relating to its function as distributor to the Trust). |
(f) | Ultimus Asset Services, LLC, 225 Pictoria Dr., Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 (records relating to its function as transfer agent, fund accountant, and administrator for the Trust). |
(g) | Cloud Capital, LLC, P.O. Box 451179, Grove, Oklahoma 74345 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Cloud Capital Strategic All Cap Fund). |
(h) | FOLIO fn Investments, Inc., 8180 Greensboro Drive, 8 th Floor, McLean, Virginia 22102 (records relating to its function as custodian for Cloud Capital Strategic All Cap Fund). |
(i) | Kovitz Investment Group Partners, 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). |
(j) | Granite Investment Advisors, Inc., 6 Eagle Square, 3 rd Floor, Concord, New Hampshire 03301 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Granite Value Fund). |
(k) | 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 and BRC Mid Cap Diversified Equity Fund). |
(l) | Foundry Partners, LLC, 510 First Avenue North, Suite 409, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund). |
(m) | SMI Advisory Services, LLC, 5162 Northwood Drive, Columbus, Indiana 47201 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Sound Mind Funds). |
(n) | 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). |
(o) | Dana Investment Advisors, Inc., 15800 W. Bluemound Road, Suite 250, Brookfield, Wisconsin 53005 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Dana Funds). |
(p) | Prospector Partners, LLC, 370 Church Street, Guilford, Connecticut 06437 (records relating to its function as subadviser to the LS Opportunity Fund). |
ITEM 34. | Management Services . |
Not Applicable.
ITEM 35. | Undertakings . |
Not Applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 (Securities Act) and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 240 to the Registrants Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Indianapolis, and State of Indiana on this 1 st day of July, 2016.
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.
* |
July 1, 2016 |
|||
Andrea N. Mullins, Trustee |
Date | |||
* |
July 1, 2016 |
|||
Ira Cohen, Trustee |
Date | |||
* |
July 1, 2016 |
|||
R. Jeffrey Young, President and Trustee |
Date | |||
* |
July 1, 2016 |
|||
Bryan W. Ashmus, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer |
Date | |||
* By: /s/ Carol J. Highsmith |
July 1, 2016 |
|||
Carol J. Highsmith, Vice President, Attorney in Fact |
Date |
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
(FOR REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940)
EXHIBIT NO.
OF FORM N-1A |
NAME OF EXHIBIT |
|
(a)(3) | Amended Schedule A to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust | |
(d)(8) | Interim Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Foundry Partners, LLC | |
(e)(6) | Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Unified Financial Securities, LLC, and Foundry Partners, LLC | |
(g)(2) | Amended Appendix B to the Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank | |
(h)(7) | Mutual Fund Services Agreement among the Trust, Ultimus Asset Services, LLC and Foundry Partners, LLC | |
(h)(17) | Interim Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Foundry Partners, LLC | |
(n)(2) | Amended Multi-Class Plan under Rule 18f-3 | |
(p)(9) | Code of Ethics of Foundry Partners, LLC |
SCHEDULE A
VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
PORTFOLIOS AND CLASSES THEREOF
As amended on June 21, 2016
PORTFOLIO/CLASSES
Golub Group Equity Fund
LS Opportunity Fund
Cloud Capital Strategic All Cap Fund
Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund
Granite Value Fund
BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund
Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund
Sound Mind Investing Fund
SMI Conservative Allocation Fund
SMI Dynamic Allocation Fund
BFS Equity Fund
Dana Large Cap Equity Fund
BRC Mid Cap Diversified Equity Fund
SMI Bond Fund
SMI 50/40/10 Fund
Dana Small Cap Equity Fund
INTERIM INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
This INTERIM AGREEMENT is made as of June 21, 2016 between VALUED ADVISERS TRUST, a Delaware statutory trust (the Trust), and FOUNDRY PARTNERS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Investment Advisor).
WHEREAS, the Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act) and presently offers shares of beneficial interest representing interests in separate investment portfolios, one of which is the Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund (formerly, Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund) (the Fund); and
WHEREAS, the Investment Advisor has entered into a purchase agreement with the Dreman Value Management, LLC (Dreman), the previous adviser to the Fund, pursuant to which the Investment Advisor will acquire, subject to applicable required approvals, certain aspects of the business of Dreman, including its contractual relationship with the Trust with respect to the Fund (the Transaction);
WHEREAS, the Trust desires to retain the Investment Advisor to furnish investment advisory and certain other services to the Fund, as more fully set forth below, and the Investment Advisor is willing to so furnish such services;
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Investment Advisor intend to rely on Rule 15a-4 under the 1940 Act in conjunction with the Transaction;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:
1. ADVISORY SERVICES.
The Investment Advisor will regularly provide the Fund with such investment advice as it, in its discretion, deems advisable and will furnish a continuous investment program for the Fund consistent with the Funds investment objectives and policies. The Investment Advisor will determine the securities to be purchased for the Fund, the portfolio securities to be held or sold by the Fund and the portion of the Funds assets to be held un-invested, subject always to the Funds investment objectives, policies and restrictions, as each of the same shall be from time to time in effect, and subject further to such policies and instructions as the Board of Trustees for the Trust (the Board) may from time to time establish. The Investment Advisor will advise and assist the officers of the Trust in taking such steps as are necessary or appropriate to carry out the decisions of the Board and the appropriate committees of the Board regarding the conduct of the business of the Fund.
2. ALLOCATION OF CHARGES AND EXPENSES.
The Investment Advisor will pay the compensation and expenses of any persons rendering any services to the Fund who are officers, directors, equity owners or employees of it, and will make available, without expense to the Fund, the services of such of its employees as may duly be elected officers or trustees of the Trust, subject to their individual consent to serve and to any limitations imposed by law. The compensation and expenses of any officers, trustees and employees of the Trust who are not officers, directors, equity owners or employees of the Investment Advisor will be paid by the Trust.
The Fund will be responsible for the payment of all operating expenses of the Fund, including fees and expenses incurred by the Fund in connection with membership in investment company organizations; brokerage fees and commissions; legal, auditing and accounting expenses; non-organizational expenses of registering shares under federal and state securities laws; insurance expenses; taxes or governmental fees; fees and expenses of the custodian, transfer agent, shareholder service agent, dividend disbursing agent, plan agent, administrator, accounting and pricing services agent and distributor of the Fund; expenses, including clerical expenses, of issue, sale, redemption or repurchase of shares of the Fund; its share of the fees and expenses of trustees of the Trust who are not affiliated with the Investment Advisor; the cost of preparing and distributing reports and notices to shareholders; the cost of printing or preparing prospectuses and statements of additional information for delivery to the Funds shareholders; the cost of printing or preparing stock certificates or any other documents, statements or reports to shareholders; expenses of shareholders meetings and proxy solicitations; such extraordinary or non-recurring expenses as may arise, including litigation to which the Trust may be a party and indemnification for the Trusts officers and trustees with respect thereto; or any other expense not specifically described above incurred in the performance of the Funds obligations. All other expenses not assumed by the Investment Advisor herein incurred by the Fund in connection with the organization, registration of shares and operations of the Fund will be borne by the Fund. The Fund will also pay expenses which it is authorized to pay pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
The Investment Advisor may obtain reimbursement from the Fund, at such time or times as it may determine in its sole discretion, for any of the expenses advanced by the Investment Advisor, which the Fund is obligated to pay, and such reimbursement shall not be considered to be part of its compensation pursuant to this Agreement.
3. COMPENSATION OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR.
For all of the services to be rendered and payments to be made as provided in this Agreement, as of the last business day of each month, the Fund will pay the Investment Advisor a fee, computed and accrued daily, and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.85% of the average value of its daily net assets.
The average value of the daily net assets of the Fund shall be determined pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Trust or a resolution of the Board, if required. If, pursuant to such provisions, the determination of net asset value of the Fund is suspended for any particular business day, then for the purposes of this paragraph, the value of the net assets of the Fund as last determined shall be deemed to be the value of the net assets as of the close of the business day, or as of such other time as the value of the Funds net assets may lawfully be determined, on that day. If the determination of the net asset value of the Fund has been suspended for a period including such month, the Investment Advisors compensation payable at the end of such month shall be computed on the basis of the value of the net assets of the Fund as last determined (whether during or prior to such month).
- 2 -
The Investment Advisor agrees that the Board of Trustees may suspend the payment of the advisory fee set forth above if the Investment Advisor fails to follow the directions of the Board as communicated in writing on behalf of the Board by its agents or the Trusts administrator, and that such suspension may continue until such time as the Investment Advisor reasonably complies with such directions.
The compensation earned under this Interim Agreement will be held in an interest-bearing escrow account with the Trusts custodian or another bank deemed acceptable by the Trustees. If a majority of the Funds outstanding voting securities, as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act, approves a new investment advisory agreement between the Trust and the Investment Advisor, the amount in the escrow account (including any interest earned) will be paid to the Investment Advisor, and if a majority of the Funds outstanding voting securities do not approve the new investment advisory agreement between the Trust and the Investment Advisor, the Investment Advisor will be paid, out of the escrow account, the lesser of: (i) any costs incurred by the Investment Advisor in performing the Interim Agreement (plus interest earned on that amount while in escrow); or (ii) the total amount in the escrow account (plus interest earned).
4. EXECUTION OF PURCHASE AND SALE ORDERS.
In connection with purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the account of the Fund, it is understood that the Investment Advisor will arrange for the placing of all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Fund with brokers or dealers selected by it, subject to review of this selection by the Board from time to time. The Investment Advisor will be responsible for the negotiation and the allocation of principal business and portfolio brokerage. In the selection of brokers or dealers and placing of orders, the Investment Advisor is directed at all times to seek for the Fund the best qualitative execution, 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 Investment Advisor should generally seek favorable prices and commission rates that are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In seeking best qualitative execution, the Investment Advisor is authorized to select brokers or dealers who also provide brokerage and research services to the Fund and the other accounts over which the Investment Advisor exercises investment discretion. The Investment Advisor is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a Fund portfolio transaction which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Investment Advisor determines in good faith that the amount of the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the executing broker or dealer. The determination may be viewed in terms of either a particular transaction or the Investment Advisors overall responsibilities with respect to the Fund and to accounts over which the Investment Advisor exercises investment discretion.
- 3 -
The Fund and the Investment Advisor understand and acknowledge that, although the information may be useful to the Fund and the Investment Advisor, it is not possible to place a dollar value on such information. The Board shall periodically review the commissions paid by the Fund to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund.
Subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act, and other applicable law, the Investment Advisor, any of its affiliates, or any affiliate of its affiliates may retain compensation in connection with effecting the Funds portfolio transactions, including transactions effected through others. If any occasion should arise in which the Investment Advisor gives any advice to its clients concerning shares of the Fund, the Investment Advisor will act solely as investment adviser for such client and not in any way on behalf of the Fund. The Investment Advisors services to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement are not to be deemed to be exclusive and it is understood that the Investment Advisor may render investment advice, management and other services to others, including other registered investment companies.
5. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR.
The Investment Advisor may rely on information reasonably believed by it to be accurate and reliable. Except as may otherwise be required by the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder, neither the Investment Advisor nor its shareholders, members, officers, directors, employees, agents, control persons or affiliates of any thereof shall be subject to any liability for, or any damages, expenses or losses incurred by the Trust in connection with, any error of judgment, mistake of law, any act or omission connected with or arising out of any services rendered under, or payments made pursuant to, this Agreement or any other matter to which this Agreement relates, except by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of any such persons in the performance of their duties under this Agreement, or by reason of reckless disregard by any of such persons of the Investment Advisors obligations and duties under this Agreement.
Any person, even though also a director, officer, employee, member, shareholder or agent of the Investment Advisor, who may be or become an officer, director, trustee, employee or agent of the Trust, shall be deemed, when rendering services to the Trust or acting on any business of the Trust (other than services or business in connection with the Investment Advisors duties hereunder), to be rendering such services to or acting solely for the Trust and not as a director, officer, employee, member, shareholder or agent of the Investment Advisor, or one under the control or direction of the Investment Advisor, even though paid by the Investment Advisor.
6. DURATION AND TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.
(a) This Interim Agreement shall become effective as of the date executed and shall remain in full force and effect will continue in effect for a term ending on the earlier of 150 days from its effectiveness or the date that a permanent advisory agreement is approved by an affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined by the 1940 Act). This Interim Agreement may, at any time on ten days prior written notice to the Investment Advisor be terminated by the Board or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding
- 4 -
voting securities without payment of any penalty. With respect to the 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. The Investment Advisor may terminate this Interim Agreement on 60 days written notice without the payment of any penalty. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment as such term is defined in the 1940 Act.
In the event of termination of this Interim Agreement for any reason, the Investment Advisor 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 Investment Advisor under applicable law. In addition, the Investment Advisor shall deliver the Funds 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 Investment Advisor.
8. AMENDMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT.
No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, and no amendment of this Agreement shall be effective until approved by the Board, including a majority of the trustees who are not interested persons of the Investment Advisor or of the Trust, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and (if required under interpretations of the 1940 Act by the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff) by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the series to which the amendment relates.
9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY TO TRUST PROPERTY.
The term trustees means and refers to the Trusts trustees from time to time serving under the Trusts Agreement and Declaration of Trust as the same may be amended from time to time. It is expressly agreed that the obligations of the Trust hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees of the Trust personally, but bind only the trust property of the Trust, as provided in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Trust. The execution and delivery of this Agreement have been authorized by the trustees and shareholders of the Trust and signed by officers of the Trust, acting as such, and neither such authorization by such trustees and shareholders nor such execution and delivery by such officers shall be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, but shall bind only the trust property of the Trust as provided in its Agreement and Declaration of Trust.
10. SEVERABILITY.
In the event any provision of this Agreement is determined to be void or unenforceable, such determination shall not affect the remainder of this Agreement, which shall continue to be in force.
- 5 -
11. QUESTIONS OF INTERPRETATION.
(a) This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware.
(b) For the purpose of this Agreement, the terms majority of the outstanding voting securities, control, 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 U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act; and the term brokerage and research services shall have the meaning given in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(c) 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 interpretation thereof, if any, by the United States courts or in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by the U. S. Securities and Exchange 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 U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation, order or interpretation.
12. NOTICES.
Any notices under this Agreement shall be in writing, addressed and delivered or mailed postage paid to the other party at such address as such other party may designate for the receipt of such notice. Until further notice to the other party, it is agreed that the address of the Trust is c/o 2960 North Meridian Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, and the address of the Investment Advisor is 510 First Avenue North, Suite 409, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
13. 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.
14. BINDING EFFECT.
Each of the undersigned expressly warrants and represents that he or she has the full power and authority to sign this Agreement on behalf of the party indicated, and that his or her signature will operate to bind the party indicated to the foregoing terms.
15. CAPTIONS.
The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or limit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
- 6 -
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of June 21, 2016.
VALUED ADVISERS TRUST |
/s/ Carol J. Highsmith |
By: Carol J. Highsmith |
Title: Vice President |
FOUNDRY PARTNERS, LLC |
/s/ Timothy P. Ford |
By: Timothy P. Ford |
Title: President & CEO |
- 7 -
VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT, dated as of June 21, 2016, by and among Valued Advisers Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the Trust), each investment adviser to each series of the Trust as set forth on Exhibit A (each an Adviser and, collectively, the Advisers), and Unified Financial Securities, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Distributor).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Trust is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act); and
WHEREAS, the Trust, on behalf of the portfolios set forth on Exhibit A (each a Fund and, collectively, the Funds), desires to retain the Distributor as the principal underwriter of the shares of beneficial interest of the Funds (the Shares); and
WHEREAS, the Distributor is willing to render such services.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants set forth herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
Section 1. Delivery of Documents . The Trust has delivered to the Distributor copies of the following documents and will deliver to the Distributor all future amendments and supplements thereto, if any:
(a) The Trusts Declaration of Trust and all amendments thereto (as currently in effect and as from time to time amended, hereinafter referred to as the Declaration);
(b) The Trusts By-Laws (as currently in effect and as from time to time amended, hereinafter referred to as the By-Laws);
(c) Resolutions of the Board of Trustees authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement;
(d) The Trusts Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), and the 1940 Act on Form N-1A most recently filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) and all subsequent amendments or supplements thereto (the Registration Statement);
(e) The Trusts Notification of Registration under the 1940 Act on Form N-8A as filed with the Commission; and
(f) A current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information for each Fund (as currently in effect and as from time to time amended and supplemented, hereinafter collectively referred to as the Prospectuses).
Section 2. Distribution .
2.1 Appointment of Distributor . The Trust hereby appoints the Distributor as principal underwriter of the Shares of each Fund that is set forth on Exhibit A to this Agreement and the Distributor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services and duties set forth in this Agreement.
2.2 Services and Duties .
(a) The Trust agrees to sell through the Distributor, as agent, from time to time during the term of this Agreement, Shares of each Fund upon the terms and at the current offering prices as described in such Funds Prospectus. The Distributor will act only in its own behalf as principal in making agreements with selected dealers or others for the sale and redemption of Shares, and shall sell Shares only at the offering prices as set forth in the applicable Funds Prospectus. The Distributor shall devote its best efforts to effect the sale of shares, but shall not be obligated to sell any certain number of Shares.
(b) In all matters relating to the sale and redemption of Shares, the Distributor and its designated agent(s) will act in conformity with the Trusts Declaration, By-laws and the Funds Prospectuses and with the instructions and directions of the Board of Trustees and will conform and comply with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act, the regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and all other applicable federal or state laws or regulations. In connection with the sale of Shares of a Fund, the Distributor acknowledges and agrees that it is not authorized to provide any information or make any representation other than as contained in the Trusts Registration Statement or such Funds Prospectus and any sales literature approved by such Fund.
(c) All Shares of a Fund offered for sale by the Distributor shall be offered for sale to the public at a price per Share (the offering price) equal to their net asset value (determined in the manner set forth in such Funds then-current Prospectus), plus any applicable sales charge as set forth in such Funds then-current Prospectus.
2.3 Sales and Redemptions .
(a) The Trust shall execute all documents, furnish all information and otherwise take all actions which may be reasonably necessary in the discretion of the Trusts officers in connection with the qualification of the Shares for sale in such states as the Distributor may designate to the a Fund and a Fund may approve, and each Fund shall pay all fees which may be incurred in connection with its qualification. The Distributor shall pay all expenses connected with its qualification as a dealer under state or federal laws. It is understood that certain advertising, marketing, shareholder servicing, administration and/or distribution expenses to be incurred in connection with the Shares may be paid as provided in any plan which may be adopted by a Fund in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
(b) The Trust shall have the right to suspend the sale of Shares at any time in response to conditions in the securities markets or otherwise, and to suspend the redemption of Shares at any time permitted by the 1940 Act or the rules of the Commission
(c) Each Fund reserves the right to reject any order for its Shares.
(d) No Shares shall be offered by either a Fund or the Distributor under any provisions of this Agreement and no orders for the purchase or sale of Shares hereunder shall be accepted by a Fund if and so long as the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall be suspended under any of the provisions of the 1933 Act, or if and so long as a Prospectus as required by Section 10 of the 1933 Act for such Fund is not on file with the Commission; provided , however , that nothing contained in this subsection shall in any way restrict or have any application to or bearing upon each Funds obligation to repurchase any Shares from any shareholder in accordance with the provisions of its Prospectus.
2.4 Fees and Expenses of the Fund . Each Fund shall pay all costs and expenses in connection with the registration of such Funds Shares under the 1933 Act, all fees in connection with making notice filings under state securities blue sky laws, and all expenses in connection with maintaining facilities for the issue and transfer of the Shares and for supplying information, prices and other data to be furnished by the Fund hereunder, and all expenses in connection with preparing, printing and distributing such Funds Prospectus to existing shareholders.
2
No Fund will bear any costs and expenses incurred with respect to distribution of shares except to the extent the Fund is permitted to do so by applicable law
2.5. Fees and Expenses of the Adviser . For performing its services under this Agreement, each Funds Adviser will pay a fee to Distributor as set forth in Exhibit B . Each Funds Adviser shall promptly reimburse Distributor for any expenses incurred on behalf of such Fund as set forth in Exhibit B .
It is understood that each Funds Adviser will bear the costs and expenses incurred for (i) printing and mailing to prospective investors copies of such Funds Prospectus (including supplements thereto) and annual and interim reports of such Fund which are used in connection with the offering of the Funds Shares; (ii) preparing, printing and mailing any other literature used by the Distributor in connection with the sale of such Funds Shares; (iii) reimbursement for FINRA advertising compliance expenses advanced by the Distributor on behalf of such Fund; (iv) fees for Distributors review of such Funds sales literature and website; (v) registered representative annual renewal and compliance fees; and (vi) travel and such other expenses as may be incurred by Distributor on behalf of such Fund.
Section 3 . Limitation of Liability .
(a) The Distributor shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by any Fund in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the Distributors part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. Any person, even though also an officer, director, partner, employee or agent of the Distributor, who may be or become an officer, Trustee, employee or agent of the Trust, shall be deemed, when rendering services to the Trust, or acting on any business of the Trust (other than services or business in connection with the Distributors duties as distributor hereunder), to be rendering such services to or acting solely for the Trust and not as an officer, director, partner, employee or agent of, or one under the control or direction of, the Distributor even though paid by the Distributor.
(b) In the performance of its duties hereunder, the Distributor shall be obligated to exercise due care and diligence, and to act in good faith in performing the services provided for under this Agreement. In performing its services hereunder, the Distributor shall be entitled to rely on any oral or written instructions, notices or other communications from the Fund and its custodian, officers and Trustee, investors, agents and other service providers which the Distributor reasonably believes to be genuine, valid and authorized. The Distributor shall also be entitled to consult with and rely on the advice and opinions of outside legal counsel retained by the Trust, as necessary or appropriate.
(c) The term Valued Advisers Trust means and refers to the Trust and each Fund listed on Exhibit A from time to time, as the same may subsequently thereto have been, or subsequently hereto be amended. It is expressly agreed that the obligations of the Trust hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the Trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees of the Trust, personally, but shall bind only the assets and property of the Trust. The execution and delivery of this Agreement have been authorized by the vote of a majority of the Trustees, who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any party to this Agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. This Agreement has been signed by an authorized officer of the Trust, acting as such, and neither such authorization by such Trustees nor such execution and delivery by such officer shall be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, but shall bind only the assets and property of the appropriate Fund.
3
Section 4. Indemnification .
4.1. Trust Representations . The Trust represents and warrants to the Distributor that at all times the Registration Statement and Prospectuses will in all material respects conform to the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that no representation or warranty is made herein with respect to any statements in the Registration Statement or Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Trust by, or on behalf of and with respect to, the Distributor specifically for use in the Registration Statement or Prospectus.
4.2. Distributors Representations . The Distributor represents and warrants to the Trust that it is duly organized and validly existing as a Delaware limited liability company and is and at all times will remain duly authorized and licensed to carry out its services as contemplated herein.
4.3. Trust Indemnification . The Trust will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Distributor, its several officers and directors, and any person who controls the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which any of them may become subject under the 1933 Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions or proceedings in respect thereof) arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, the Prospectuses or in any application or other document executed by or on behalf of the Trust, or arise out of, or are based upon, information furnished by or on behalf of the Trust filed in any state in order to qualify the Shares under the securities or blue sky laws thereof (Blue Sky Application), or arise out of, or are based upon, the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and will reimburse the Distributor, its several officers and directors, and any person who controls the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by any of them in investigating, defending or preparing to defend any such action, proceeding or claim; provided , however , that the Trust shall not be liable in any case to the extent that such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of, or is based upon, any untrue statement, alleged untrue statement, or omission or alleged omission made in the Registration Statement, the Prospectuses, any Blue Sky Application or any application or other document executed by or on behalf of the Trust in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Trust by, or on behalf of, and with respect to, the Distributor specifically for inclusion therein.
The Trust shall not indemnify any person pursuant to this Section 4.3 unless the court or other body before which the proceeding was brought has rendered a final decision on the merits that such person was not liable by reason of his willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of his duties, or his reckless disregard of obligations and duties, under this Agreement (disabling conduct) or, in the absence of such a decision, a reasonable determination (based upon a review of the facts) that such person was not liable by reason of disabling conduct has been made by the vote of a majority of Trustees who are neither interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act) nor parties to the proceeding, or by an independent legal counsel in a written opinion.
The Trust shall advance attorneys fees and other expenses incurred by any person in defending any claim, demand, action or suit which is the subject of a claim for indemnification pursuant to this Section 4.3, so long as such person shall: (i) undertake to repay all such advances unless it is ultimately determined that he is entitled to indemnification hereunder; and (ii) provide security for such undertaking, or the Trust shall be insured against losses arising by reason of any lawful advances, or a majority of a quorum of disinterested non-party Trustees of the Trust (or an independent legal counsel in a written opinion) shall determine based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry) that there is reason to believe that such person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification hereunder.
4
4.4. Distributors Indemnification . The Distributor will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Trust, the Trusts several officers and Trustees and any person who controls the Trust within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which any of them may become subject under the 1933 Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities (or actions or proceedings in respect hereof) arise out of, or are based upon, any breach of its representations and warranties in Section 4.2 hereof, or which arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, the Prospectuses, any Blue Sky Application or any application or other document executed by or on behalf of the Trust, or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, which statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Trust or any of its several officers and Trustees by, or on behalf of, and with respect to, the Distributor specifically for inclusion therein, and will reimburse the Trust, the Trusts several officers and Trustees, and any person who controls the Trust within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by any of them in investigating, defending or preparing to defend any such action, proceeding or claim.
4.5. General Indemnity Provisions . No indemnifying party shall be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in Section 4.3 or 4.4 hereof with respect to any claim made against such indemnifying party unless the indemnified party shall have notified the indemnifying party in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the indemnified party (or after the indemnified party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the indemnifying party of any such claim shall not relieve it from any liability which it may otherwise have to the indemnified party. The indemnifying party will be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any such liability, and if the indemnifying party elects to assume the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. In the event the indemnifying party elects to assume the defense of any such suit and retain such counsel, the indemnified party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by the indemnified party.
Section 5. Duration and Termination . The term of this Agreement shall begin on the date of this Agreement for each Fund listed on Exhibit A attached hereto on the date of this Agreement and shall continue in effect with respect to each such Fund (and any subsequent Funds added pursuant to an Exhibit executed during the initial term of this Agreement) for two years thereafter, and shall continue in effect from year to year thereafter, subject to termination as hereinafter provided, if such continuance is approved at least annually by (a) a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of such Fund or by vote of the Trusts Board of Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and (b) by vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to this Agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. If a Fund is added pursuant to an Exhibit executed after the date of this Agreement as described above, this Agreement shall become effective with respect to that Fund upon execution of the applicable Exhibit by the appropriate parties and shall continue in effect until the next annual continuance of this Agreement and from year to year thereafter, subject to approval as described above. This Agreement may be terminated by the Trust with respect to any Fund at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of such Fund, on 60 days written notice to the Distributor, or by the Distributor at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on 90 days written notice to the Trust. This Agreement will automatically and immediately terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
5
Section 6. Miscellaneous .
6.1. Amendments . No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated except by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which an enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought.
6.2 . Construction . The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. Subject to the provisions of Section 5 hereof, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.
6.3. Notices . Any notice or other instrument in writing, authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to the Trust shall be sufficiently given if addressed to the Trust and mailed or delivered to it at its principal office set forth in the Registration Statement, or at such other place as the Trust may from time to time designate in writing. Any notice or other instrument in writing, authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to the Distributor shall be sufficiently given if addressed to the Distributor and mailed or delivered to it at 2960 North Meridian Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, Attention: President, or at such other place as the Distributor may from time to time designate in writing.
6.4. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Indiana.
6.5 Counterparts . This Agreement may be 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.
[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank.]
6
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Distribution Agreement to be executed by their officers designated below as of the date and year first above written.
VALUED ADVISERS TRUST, on behalf of each Fund set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto |
By: /s/ Bo James Howell |
Name: Bo James Howell |
Title: Assistant Secretary |
UNIFIED FINANCIAL SECURITIES, LLC |
By: /s/ John C. Swhear |
Name: John C. Swhear |
Title: CCO |
FOUNDRY PARTNERS, LLC |
As to Section 2.5 |
By: /s/ Timothy P. Ford |
Name: Timothy P. Ford |
Title: President & CEO |
7
EXHIBIT A
to
Distribution Agreement
FUNDS AND INVESTMENT ADVISERS
NAME OF FUND |
INVESTMENT ADVISER |
|
Golub Group Equity Fund |
The Golub Group, LLC 2929 Campus Drive, Suite 145 San Mateo, CA 94403 |
|
LS Opportunity Fund |
Long Short Advisors, LLC 1818 Market Street, Suite 3323 Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
|
Cloud Capital Strategic All Cap Fund |
Cloud Capital, LLC P.O. Box 451179 Grove, OK 74345 |
|
Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund |
Kovitz Investment Group, LLC 115 S. LaSalle Street, 27th Floor Chicago, IL 60603 |
|
Granite Value Fund |
Granite Investment Advisors, Inc. 6 Eagle Square 3 rd Floor Concord, NH 03301 |
|
BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund BRC Mid Cap Diversified Equity Fund |
BRC Investment Management, LLC 8400 East Prentice Avenue, Suite 1401 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 |
|
Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund |
Foundry Partners, LLC 510 First Avenue North Suite 409 Minneapolis, MN 55403 |
|
Sound Mind Investing Fund SMI Conservative Allocation Fund SMI Dynamic Allocation Fund SMI Bond Fund SMI 50/40/10 Fund |
SMI Advisory Services, LLC 11135 Baker Hollow Rd. Columbus, IN 47201 |
|
BFS Equity Fund |
Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. 185 Asylum Street City Place II Hartford, CT 06103 |
|
Dana Large Cap Equity Fund Dana Small Cap Equity Fund |
Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. 15800 West Bluemound Road Suite 250 Brookfield, WI 53005 |
Plus such additional funds as may be agreed upon to from time to time between Distributor and the Trust. Date: June 8, 2016
8
EXHIBIT B
to
Distribution Agreement
Fee Schedule
All fees are billed monthly and are payable upon receipt of an invoice.
I. Base Fee*
A monthly fee equal to an annual rate of 0.01% of the average daily net assets of the Funds, subject to a monthly minimum fee. The monthly minimum fee is calculated as $300 times the number of portfolios.
* | Base Fees do not include out-of-pocket expenses which include but are not limited to: printing, postage and handling, shipping, record storage, legal expenses associated with negotiating customized agreements with selling group counterparties and regulatory filing fees and all other expenses incurred on behalf of the Funds. Additional fees not contemplated in this schedule will be negotiated on a per occurrence basis. |
II. Additional Services
Sales literature & document review (including websites) |
- $150 per hour. plus FINRA filing fees. | |
FINRA and other filing fees |
- Pass thru | |
Travel and Out-of-Pocket Expenses |
- Pass thru | |
Commission Payment Processing |
- $250.00 per occurrence | |
12b-1/Service Fee Payment Processing |
- $250.00 per occurrence | |
Blue Sky Filings |
- Pass Through plus $50 per permit | |
Other duties as agreed upon |
- Negotiable |
9
AMENDED
APPENDIX B
Custody Agreement Between
The Huntington National Bank and Valued Advisers Trust
Series of the Trust
Golub Group Equity Fund
Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund
Granite Value Fund
BRC Large Cap Focus Equity Fund
Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund
Sound Mind Investing Fund
Sound Mind Investing Balanced Fund
SMI Dynamic Allocation Fund
BFS Equity Fund
Dana Large Cap Equity Fund
BRC Mid Cap Diversified Equity Fund
SMI Bond Fund
SMI 50/40/10 Fund
Dana Small Cap Equity Fund
Custody Agreement
MUTUAL FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT
Fund Accounting Services
Fund Administration Services
Transfer Agency Services
by and among
VALUED ADVISERS TRUST,
ULTIMUS ASSET SERVICES, LLC
and
FOUNDRY PARTNERS, LLC
June 21, 2016
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
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 1 |
MUTUAL FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT (this Agreement), dated as of June 21, 2016 (Effective Date), by and among Valued Advisers Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the Trust), Ultimus Asset Services, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (Ultimus) and Foundry Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (Adviser). Adviser is a party to this agreement solely for purposes of evidencing Advisers 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 Ultimus 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 Ultimus 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 Ultimus 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 Ultimus hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the services and duties set forth in this Agreement. The services and duties of Ultimus shall be confined to those matters expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against Ultimus hereunder.
Section 2. Representations and Warranties of Ultimus .
ltimus 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 Ultimus in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of Ultimus, 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.
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 2 |
Section 3. Representations and Warranties of the Trust .
The Trust hereby represents and warrants to Ultimus, 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 Ultimus such copies, properly certified or authenticated, of contracts, documents and other related information that Ultimus 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 Ultimus 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 Ultimus 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 Ultimuss delivery of Services hereunder. The Trust also shall cause to be delivered to Ultimus reconciliations (as of the date Ultimus begins providing Services hereunder) of each Funds 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 Ultimus will rely on these reconciliations (and other balances provided by Ultimuss 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 Ultimus all trade tickets and other documents evidencing transactions made on behalf of the Funds as and when made.
Section 5. Services Provided by Ultimus .
(a) Ultimus will provide the following Services subject to the direction and supervision of the Trusts Board, and in compliance with the objectives, policies and limitations set forth in the Trusts 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 Ultimuss policies and procedures as in effect from time to time:
(i) | Fund Accounting Services , as described on Exhibit B to this Agreement. |
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 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) Ultimus 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. Ultimus agrees that all such records prepared or maintained by Ultimus relating to the services to be performed by Ultimus 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 Ultimus under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, Ultimus will not be responsible for the fees or expenses of, and the Funds will reimburse Ultimus for any advances or payments made by Ultimus 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. Ultimus 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 Ultimus 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 Ultimuss other rights, Ultimus 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) Ultimus 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 Trusts prior, present or potential shareholders, and to not use such records and information for any purpose other than performance of Ultimuss responsibilities, rights and duties hereunder. Ultimus 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 Ultimuss responsibilities, duties and rights hereunder, when Ultimus 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.
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 4 |
(b) Ultimus may, from time to time, maintain or otherwise possess consumer report information in connection with the provision of Services under this agreement, and Ultimus 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 Ultimus disposes of consumer report information, Ultimus 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) Ultimus will not be liable to the Trust for any damages or losses save for those resulting from the willful default, fraud or negligence of Ultimus as a result of the performance or non-performance by Ultimus of its obligations and duties hereunder, and (ii) Ultimus 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 Ultimus with reasonable care; and (iii) Ultimuss liability will be subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement.
(b) Limitations on Liability.
(i) | Ultimus is responsible for the performance of only those duties as are expressly set forth herein and in the Exhibits. Ultimus will have no implied duties or obligations. Each Party shall mitigate damages for which the other party may become responsible hereunder. |
(ii) | Ultimus 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 Ultimuss reasonable reliance on and utilization of any such instruction or other such information. For the avoidance of doubt, Ultimus 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) | Ultimus shall have no responsibility and shall be without liability for any loss or damage caused by the failure of the Trust to provide Ultimus with any information. |
(iv) | Ultimus 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) |
Ultimus shall have no responsibility for the management of the investments or any other assets of the Trust or its customers, and Ultimus 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 |
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 5 |
condition of the original documents, operating documents, policies and procedures or prospectus. Further, Ultimus 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. |
(vi) | The Trust acknowledges that the reporting obligations of Ultimus do not constitute a duty to monitor compliance by the Fund, and Ultimus 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 Ultimus does not provide valuations with respect to the Funds 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 Funds 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 Ultimus shall have no responsibility and shall be without liability for any loss or damage arising with respect to valuation or verification of assets. |
(viii) | Ultimus 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 Ultimus. |
(ix) | EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT, ULTIMUS 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. ULTIMUS 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 Ultimus 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 Ultimus 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.
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 6 |
Section 9. Indemnity .
(a) Indemnity by the Trust. The Trust will indemnify Ultimus, 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 Ultimus or such person in any action or proceeding between Ultimus and the Trust or between Ultimus 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 Ultimus in connection with or arising out of the following:
(i) | This Agreement, except any Loss resulting from the willful default, fraud or negligence of Ultimus, 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 Ultimus 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, Ultimus must rely upon in performing its duties hereunder, or as a result of acting upon any instructions reasonably believed by Ultimus 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 Trusts 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 one (1) year from the Effective Date (the Initial Term) and will thereafter continue in effect indefinitely unless it is terminated pursuant to clause 10(b).
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 7 |
(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. |
(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 Ultimus immediately based on Ultimuss 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 Ultimus as liquidated damages for such default, an amount equal to the balance that would be due Ultimus for its services under this Agreement during the Initial Term (Liquidated Damages). 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 Ultimus 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 Ultimus 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 Ultimus 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 Ultimus and that this sum is agreed to as Liquidated Damages and not as a penalty. |
(ii) |
Upon termination, Ultimus 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 Ultimus hereunder, including any Liquidated Damages. If by the termination date the Trust has not given instructions to deliver the client records, Ultimus will keep the Trust |
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 8 |
records until the Trust provides instructions to deliver the client records, provided that Ultimus will be entitled to charge the Trust then-standard fees for maintaining the client records. Ultimus will provide no other services to or for the benefit of the Trust or any successor service provider unless specifically agreed in writing by Ultimus. |
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 |
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 |
Cincinnati OH 45246 |
Attention: President |
(ii) | If to Ultimus, to: |
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC |
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 |
Cincinnati, OH 45246 |
Attention: President |
(iii) | If to the Adviser, to: |
Foundry Partners, LLC |
510 First Avenue North, Suite 409 |
Minneapolis, MN 55403 |
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 others prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided that Ultimus 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.
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 9 |
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.
Section 15. Force Majeure.
Ultimus 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 Ultimus, 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.
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 10 |
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/ Carol J. Highsmith | Date June 20, 2016 | |
Print Name: Carol J. Highsmith | ||
Title: Vice President | ||
ULTIMUS ASSET SERVICES, LLC | ||
By: /s/ Mark J. Seger | Date June 20, 2016 | |
Print Name: Mark J. Seger | ||
Title: President | ||
FOUNDRY PARTNERS, LLC (solely for the purposes of Sections 6 and 10) | ||
By: /s/ Timothy P. Ford | Date June 20, 2016 | |
Print Name: Timothy P. Ford | ||
Title: President & CEO |
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 11 |
EXHIBIT A
to
Mutual Fund Services Agreement
List of Portfolios
Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 12 |
EXHIBIT B
To
Mutual Fund Services Agreement
General Description of Fund Accounting Services
Subject to the direction and control of the Trusts 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 Funds 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 Funds investment adviser daily. |
| Reconcile cash of the Fund with the Funds custodian. |
| Reconcile portfolio holdings of the Fund with the Funds custodian. |
| Reconcile capital stock of the Fund with the Funds transfer agent. |
| Assist the Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds assets. |
| Determine the net asset value of the Fund according to the accounting policies and procedures set forth in the Funds 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 Funds investment adviser, transfer agent, and (once the Fund meets eligibility requirements) transmit to NASDAQ and to such other entities as directed by the Trust. |
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 13 |
| 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 Funds investment portfolio. |
| Calculate taxable gain/loss on a security sale using the tax lot relief method specified by the Funds investment adviser. |
| In conjunction with the Funds 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 Funds 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.
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 14 |
EXHIBIT C
to
Mutual Fund Services Agreement
General Description of Fund Administration Services
Subject to the direction and control of the Trusts 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
| Ultimus 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. |
| Ultimus will calculate and report Fund performance to outside services as directed by Trust management. |
| Ultimus 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 . |
| Ultimus 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. |
| Ultimus 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 Trusts independent accountants. |
| Ultimus 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. |
| Ultimus will estimate organizational costs and expenses and monitor against actual disbursements for new Funds or share classes of Funds. |
| Ultimus will coordinate the printing of the Funds Semi-Annual and Annual Reports to Shareholders and prospectus. |
| Ultimus will coordinate the preparation and filing of all required Fund filings with the SEC. |
| Ultimus will provide financial information for Fund proxy statements. |
| Ultimus 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 Trusts custodian or transfer agent, subject to the review and approval of the Trust and the Trusts independent accountants. |
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 15 |
| Ultimus will assist in compiling exhibits and disclosures for Form N-CSR as requested by the adviser, in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. |
| Ultimus will assist with the coordination, communications and data collection with regard to yearly audits by independent accountants. |
| Ultimus will determine and periodically monitor each Funds income and expense accruals and cause all appropriate expenses to be paid from Fund assets on proper authorization from the Trust. |
II. Compliance
| Ultimus will develop a Compliance Program consistent with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 206(4)-7 under the Investment Advisers 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. Ultimus 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. |
| Ultimus will provide Sarbanes-Oxley certifying officers for Funds of the Trust, upon request. |
| Ultimus 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, Ultimus will provide to the Trusts CCO a written compliance report outlining the review and analysis of Ultimuss compliance program and material changes to its policies and procedures. |
III. Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Governance
| Ultimus will obtain Tax Identification Number (TIN), CUSIP number and NASDAQ symbol for new Funds or share classes of Funds. |
| Ultimus will coordinate Fund name changes, liquidations or mergers with the CUSIP Bureau and NASDAQ, when applicable. |
| Ultimus will collect data and provide to the Adviser/Trust for regulatory inquiries and examinations. |
| Ultimus 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. |
| Ultimus will prepare and maintain the Trusts governing documents and any amendments thereto, including the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, By-laws, and minutes of Board and Committee meetings. |
| Ultimus will coordinate proxy solicitation process with designated proxy vendors; and file proxy materials. |
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 16 |
| Ultimus will coordinate the layout and printing of prospectuses and other publicly disseminated reports. |
| Ultimus will prepare, coordinate and disseminate materials for all Board and Committee meetings, including agenda, Board books, either electronic or otherwise, resolutions and supplemental materials. |
| Ultimus will coordinate and disseminate Board written consents; monitor and record the receipt of Trustee votes; communicate results to the appropriate parties. |
| Ultimus will attend and draft minutes for scheduled Disclosure Controls Procedures (DCP) meetings. |
| Ultimus will maintain Board compliance calendar; ensure the appropriate Trust, advisory and service provider agreement renewals are presented to the Board timely. |
| Ultimus 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). |
| Ultimus will manage production schedules for Board meetings and regulatory filings. |
| Ultimus will maintain Board meeting follow-up lists; coordinate status report meetings and track completion statuses. |
| Ultimus will update and disseminate list of authorized signers to the appropriate service providers. |
| Ultimus will coordinate execution and retention of approved Trust agreements. |
| Ultimus will prepare and coordinate the application for the Trusts Fidelity Bond and Errors & Omissions insurance coverage; provide the Board with the insurance companys 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.
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 17 |
EXHIBIT D
to
Mutual Fund Services Agreement
General Description of Transfer Agency Services
Subject to the direction and control of the Trusts 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
Ultimus shall provide the following transfer agency services to the Trust and/or to each of the Funds listed on Exhibit A:
| Ultimus will provide a recordkeeping system that supports front-end load, back-end load (CDSC), no-load and redemption fee funds. |
| Ultimus will provide asset allocation functionality including rebalancing of shareholder accounts. |
| Ultimus will establish and maintain shareholder accounts and records, including, but not limited to, address, dividend option, taxpayer identification numbers and wire instructions. |
| Ultimus will process shareholder transactions (purchase, redemption and exchange orders), received in good form and in accordance with the Funds prospectus. |
| Ultimus will process transfers of shares, received in good form, in accordance with shareholder instructions. |
| Ultimus will execute transactions directly with broker-dealers, investment advisers and other institutions acting on behalf of investors as authorized by the Trusts distributor. |
| Ultimus will calculate amounts due under 12b-1 and/or service plans and provide reports. |
| Ultimus will issue confirmations in compliance with Rule 10b-10 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act). |
| Ultimus will issue monthly, quarterly or annual shareholder account statements as agreed upon with the Trust. |
| Ultimus 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 Ultimus on behalf of the Trust only if Ultimus has the authority and means to access the Trusts or a Funds bank accounts to facilitate the required payments to the IRS. |
| Ultimus will perform such services as are required to comply with Rules 17a-24 and 17Ad-17 of the 1934 Act (the Lost Shareholder Rules). |
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 18 |
| Ultimus 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. |
| Ultimus 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. |
| Ultimus will provide access to NSCCs Fund/SERV and Networking. Additional functionality may be available and supported as an optional service. |
| Ultimus 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 Ultimus, shall identify to Ultimus in writing those transactions and assets to be treated as exempt from the Blue Sky reporting for each state. The responsibility of Ultimus for each Funds 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. |
| Ultimus 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. |
| Ultimus will establish procedures and controls designed to mitigate risk to the Trust which are compliant with applicable SEC regulations. Ultimus reserves the right to implement policies not governed by SEC regulation or the Funds prospectus. |
| Ultimus 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. |
| Ultimus 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. Ultimus will, on or before the payment date of any such dividend or distribution, notify a Funds 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 Ultimus 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 shareholders account. A shareholder will receive a confirmation from Ultimus 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 Ultimus AML Program services Ultimus shall provide to the Funds and the Trust:
| Customer Identification . Ultimus will verify shareholder identity upon opening new accounts, consistent with the Ultimus AML Program, and perform such other checks and verifications as are specified in Ultimuss Customer Identification Program (which is a component of the Ultimus AML Program). |
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 19 |
| Purchase Transactions . Ultimus will reject and return to sender any and all checks, deposits, and other deliveries of cash or property that do not comply with the Ultimus AML Program, subject to the provisions of any additional agreement between the Fund and Ultimus regarding special liability checks and other remittances. |
| Monitoring and Reporting . Ultimus 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 Ultimus AML Program. |
| Frozen Accounts . Ultimus will place holds on transactions in shareholder accounts or freeze assets in shareholder accounts as provided for in the Ultimus AML Program. |
| Maintenance of Records . Ultimus 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 Ultimus 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 Ultimus AML Program. |
| Other Services . Ultimus will apply all other policies and procedures of the Ultimus AML Program to the Funds and/or the Trust. |
| Maintenance of the Ultimus AML Program . Ultimus will maintain and modify the Ultimus 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, Ultimus shall make available its compliance personnel to the Trust and the Trusts counsel to discuss amendments to the Ultimus AML Program that the Trust or its counsel believes are necessary to keep such program in compliance with applicable AML laws. Changes to Ultimuss AML Program or special procedures may be implemented, at Ultimuss sole discretion, for an additional fee to be agreed upon. |
| Annual Certification . On an annual basis during the term of this Agreement, Ultimus will certify to the Trusts Board that it has implemented the Ultimus AML Program and that it will continue to perform the specific requirements of the Ultimus 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.
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 20 |
EXHIBIT E
to
Mutual Fund Services Agreement
Fees and Expenses
The below pricing represents fees for Ultimuss transfer agency, fund accounting, administrative, compliance, and internet services. Additional services not contemplated in this schedule will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
I New Fund Start-Up/Existing Fund Conversion Fee
New fund establishment New Share class establishment |
- $7,500 - $2,500 |
II Annual Basis Point Fees [1] [2]
Trust assets below $1 billion: Subject to a fee of $400,000 for a maximum of five portfolios and thirteen share classes. Additional funds and classes will be charged per fund/class.
Annual Minimum Fees:
First 5 funds , with maximum 13 share classes Each Additional Share Class (of existing portfolio) |
- $80,000 per fund - $ 2,500 per class |
[1] | Base 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, and 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 of the prior years annual minimum fee. |
III NSCC, 12b-1 and Commission Processing
Set-up |
- $500 per share class/cusip | |
12b-1/Service Fee/Commission Processing |
- $500 per occurrence | |
Physical Commission/12b-1 Check |
- $10 per check | |
Fund/SERV, Networking, and/or CommSERV |
- $150 per share class/cusip per month (maximum $1,500 per month for affiliated portfolios) |
IV Anti-Money Laundering Customer Identification Program (Patriot Act)
New Account Service |
- $4 per account | |
Annual OFAC Support |
- $2 per active account | |
Research |
- $150 per hour plus 3 rd party research service fees | |
Suspicious Report Filing |
- $150 per report |
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 21 |
V Other Services
Closed Account Fee |
- $0.50 per account per month ($6.00 per year) | |
Escheatment Processing |
- $50 per account (charged to shareholder) | |
Offline Shareholder Research |
- $50 per hour (1 hour minimum, billed to shareholder) | |
IRA Account Annual Maintenance |
- $15 per account | |
Interactive Voice Response System Set-up |
- $500 per occurrence | |
Compliance Mailings: (semi-annual, annual reports, W-8/W-9, etc.) |
- External Vendor Pass through - Internal Mailing - $3.50 per item |
|
Fulfillment (3 rd Party Vendor) |
- Pass through plus $1.00 per order | |
Bank Reconciliation Services |
- $50 per bank account plus $1.50 per item |
VI Fund Accounting Services
Portfolio sub-advisors greater than 1 per fund |
- $10,000 per sub-adviser | |
Multiple custodians |
- $5,000 per custodial account | |
Non-Routine Investments: |
- $500 per month per type | |
Short Sales Options Futures Swaps |
||
Additional Brokers Used for Short Sales |
- $500 per month for each broker in excess of one | |
High Trade Volume |
||
Domestic Equity |
- $2 per trade for each trade in excess of 100 trades per month per portfolio | |
International Equity and Fixed Income |
- $2 per trade for each trade in excess of 50 trades per month per portfolio | |
Domestic Fixed Income |
- $2 per trade for each trade in excess of 50 trades per month per portfolio | |
Illiquid /Manual/Stale Priced Securities |
- $100 per month for each security requiring Pricing Committee Review | |
AD-HOC Report Generation |
- $100 per report | |
Non-System Generated Reports |
- $100 per occurrence | |
Dissemination of NAV information to Third-Party Recipients, e.g. NASDAQ, Morningstar, Lipper, Broker/Dealers |
- $25 per month for each recipient in excess of three |
VII Repricing
For incorrect or untimely information provider by an Advisor or its Agent that impacts Ultimuss provision of transfer agent and fund accounting services, Ultimus will charge $1,000 per day for each day that a portfolio is re-priced. Ultimus reserves the right to charge $250 per occurrence for each information change where pricing is not required, but additional work processes must be performed or repeated, e.g. incorrect/late trade ticket.
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 22 |
VIII Model Website - Setup and Maintenance
Setup and Branding of Standard Pages |
- $3,500 | |
Annual Site Maintenance [3] |
- $1,000 | |
Site Hosting |
- $100 per month | |
Addition of supplemental materials |
- $100 per update |
[3] | Annual Maintenance includes quarterly updates of performance and holdings as well as the annual report, semi-annual report, prospectus and applications. |
IX Shareholder Access - Setup and Maintenance
Setup and Branding of Standard Pages [4] |
- $3,500 | |
Annual Site Maintenance |
- $2,500 |
[4] | Standard pages are branded to include the name of the Fund Family and the Fund logo. Design and layout of the standard pages are subject to change. |
X Shareholder Access - Base Fees
Number of Shareholder Accounts | Monthly Rate w/o Trading | |
0 5,000 | $400 | |
5,001 7,500 | $1000 | |
7,501 and up |
$1500 plus $0.15 per account over 7,500 |
Optional Charges |
||
Electronic statements set-up |
- $2,500 plus $1.00 per enrollment | |
Electronic statement creation, delivery and tracking |
- $0.50 per statement, minimum $250 per cycle | |
Electronic delivery and tracking of material |
- $500 per instance, plus $0.50 per electronic delivery | |
Institutional/Broker-Dealer My Account system |
- Base fees plus $200 per month |
Ultimus Asset Services, LLC | Foundry Partners, LLC. - 23 |
VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
AMENDED AND RESTATED EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT (Agreement) 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 , (the Fund), and Foundry Partners, LLC (the Adviser), a Delaware limited liability company, is hereby made effective as of June 21, 2016.
WHEREAS, the Trust 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 and the Adviser have entered into an interim investment advisory agreement (the Interim Advisory Agreement), as a result of an assignment of a previous investment advisory agreement that occurred on June 20, 2016 (the Assignment);
WHEREAS, the Trust contemplates seeking approval of shareholders of the Fund of a new investment advisory agreement (the New Advisory Agreement) between the Trust, with respect to the Fund, and the Adviser, and assuming shareholder approval of the New Advisory Agreement, the Trust contemplates entering into a new expense limitation agreement with the Adviser (with respect to the Fund) that shall supersede and replace this Agreement (a New Expense Limitation Agreement);
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 during the period of time in which the Interim Advisory Agreement is in place, and, therefore, have entered into this Agreement, in order to maintain the Funds 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 Funds 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 exclude any acquired fund fees and expenses as that term is described in the prospectus of the Fund. |
(b) | Operating Expense Limit . The Funds maximum operating expense limit (an Operating Expense Limit) during the period of this Agreement 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 | Interim Expense Limitation Agreement |
(c) | Method of Computation . To determine the Advisers 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) | Period Adjustment . If necessary, on or before the last day of the first month of the period following the term of this Agreement, 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 period covered by this Agreement shall equal the Excess Amount. |
2. | REIMBURSEMENT OF FEE WAIVERS AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS . |
(a) | Reimbursement . Assuming shareholder approval of the New Advisory and execution of the New Expense Limitation Agreement, if in any year in which the New 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 the 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, as well as pursuant to corresponding reimbursement provision in the New Expense Limitation Agreement . 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, during any of the previous three (3) fiscal years either under this Agreement or the New Expense Limitation Agreement, less any reimbursement previously paid by such Fund to the Adviser, 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) | Reimbursement during This Agreement. No Reimbursement shall be made during the period of this Agreement. Reimbursement of amounts waived and/or expenses reimbursed under this Agreement may only be made to the Adviser if the New Advisory Agreement is approved by shareholders and only pursuant to the terms of the New Expense Limitation Agreement, which shall have Reimbursement terms substantially similar to those contained in this Agreement. Assuming shareholder approval of the New Advisory Agreement and execution of the New Expense Limitation Agreement, Reimbursement shall be accomplished according to the following methodology: |
2 | Interim Expense Limitation Agreement |
(i) | Method of Computation . To determine the Funds 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 that was in effect at the time of any previously waived or reduced fees and all other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund pursuant to Section 1, hereof, 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 the Fund are below the Operating Expense Limit, a liability will be accrued daily for these amounts. |
(ii) | 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 the Fund for the prior fiscal year (including any reimbursement payments hereunder with respect to such fiscal year) do not exceed the Operating Expense Limit. |
(iii) | Limitation of Liability . The Adviser shall look only to the assets of the Fund for which it waived or reduced fees or remitted payments for reimbursement under this Agreement the Previous Expense Limitation Agreement, and , as applicable, any New Expense Limitation Agreement, and for payment of any claim hereunder, and neither the Funds, nor any of the Trusts directors, officers, employees, agents, or shareholders, whether past, present or future shall be personally liable therefor. |
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 Trusts 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 Interim Advisory Agreement.
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 Trusts 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 Trusts 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 Interim Advisory Agreement or the 1940 Act, shall have the same meaning as and be resolved by reference to such Interim Advisory Agreement or the 1940 Act. |
3 | Interim 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/ Carol J. Highsmith |
Signature |
Vice President |
Title |
FOUNDRY PARTNERS, LLC |
/s/ Timothy P. Ford |
Signature |
President & CEO |
Title |
4 | Interim Expense Limitation Agreement |
Schedule A
to the
Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement
between
Valued Advisers Trust (the Trust)
and
Foundry Partners, LLC (the Adviser)
Fund |
Operating Expense Limit | Effective Date | Expiration Date | |||
Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund (formerly Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund) |
1.25% | June 21, 2016 | November 18, 2016 |
A-1 | Expense Limitation Agreement |
Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund
RULE 18f-3 MULTI-CLASS PLAN
I. Introduction.
Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (1940 Act), this Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Plan (Plan) sets forth the general characteristics of, and conditions under which the Valued Advisers Trust (Trust) may offer, multiple classes of shares (each a Class of Shares and collectively Classes of Shares) of the following series: Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund (the Fund). In addition, the Plan sets forth the shareholder servicing arrangements, distribution arrangements, conversion features, exchange privileges, and other shareholder services of each Class of Shares in the Fund. The Plan is intended to allow the Fund to offer multiple Classes of Shares to the fullest extent and manner permitted by Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act, subject to the requirements and conditions imposed by the Rule. This Plan may be revised or amended from time to time as provided below.
The Fund is authorized, as indicated below in the section Class Arrangements, to issue the following Classes of Shares representing interests in the Fund: Investor Class Shares and Institutional Class Shares. Each Class of Shares of the Fund will represent interests in the same portfolio of the Fund and, except as described herein, shall have the same rights and obligations as each other Class of Shares of the Fund. Each Class of Shares shall be subject to such investment minimums and other conditions of eligibility as are set forth in the Funds prospectus (Prospectus) or statement of additional information (Statement of Additional Information), as amended from time to time.
II. Allocation of Expenses.
Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act, the Trust shall allocate to each Class of Shares in the Fund (i) any fees and expenses incurred by the Trust in connection with the distribution of such Class of Shares under a distribution plan (and related agreements) adopted for such Class of Shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, and (ii) any fees and expenses incurred by the Trust under a shareholder servicing plan (and related agreements) in connection with the provision of shareholder services to the holders of such Class of Shares. In addition, pursuant to Rule 18f-3, the Trust may allocate the following fees and expenses to a particular Class of Shares in the Fund:
(i) | Transfer agency fees identified by the transfer agent as being attributable to such Class of Shares; |
(ii) | Printing and postage expenses related to preparing and distributing materials such as shareholder reports, notices, prospectuses, reports, and proxies to current shareholders of such Class of Shares or to regulatory agencies with respect to such Class of Shares; |
(iii) | Blue sky registration or qualification fees incurred by such Class of Shares; |
(iv) | Securities and Exchange Commission registration fees incurred by such Class of Shares; |
(v) | The expense of administrative and personnel services (including, but not limited to, those of a portfolio accountant or dividend paying agent charged with calculating net asset values or determining or paying dividends) as required to support the shareholders of such Class of Shares; |
(vi) | Litigation or other legal expenses relating solely to such Class of Shares; |
(vii) | Fees of the Trustees of the Trust incurred as a result of issues particularly relating to such Class of Shares; |
(viii) | Independent registered public accountants fees relating solely to such Class of Shares; and |
(ix) | Any additional expenses, other than advisory or custodial fees or other expenses relating to the management of the Funds assets, if such expenses are actually incurred in a different amount with respect to a Class of Shares that are of a different kind or to a different degree than with respect to one or more other Classes of Shares. |
The initial determination of the class specific expenses that will be allocated by the Trust to a particular Class of Shares and any subsequent changes thereto will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and approved by a vote of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust.
Income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, and any expenses of the Fund not allocated to a particular Class of Shares of the Fund pursuant to this Plan shall be allocated to each Class of Shares of the Fund on the basis of the net asset value of that Class of Shares in relation to the net asset value of the Fund.
III. Dividends.
Dividends paid by the Trust with respect to each Class of Shares of the Fund, to the extent any dividends are paid, will be calculated in the same manner, at the same time and will be in the same amount, except that any fees and expenses that are properly allocated to a particular Class of Shares of the Fund will be borne by that Class of Shares.
IV. Voting Rights.
Each share (or fraction thereof) of the Fund entitles the shareholder of record to one vote (or fraction thereof). Each Class of Shares of the Fund will vote separately as a Class of Shares with respect to: (i) the adoption of, or material amendment to, any Rule 12b-1 distribution plan applicable to that Class of Shares, and (ii) any other matters for which voting on a Class of Shares by Class of Shares basis is required under applicable law or interpretative positions of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
V. Class Arrangements.
The following summarizes the front-end sales charges, contingent deferred sales charges, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees, conversion features, exchange privileges, and other shareholder services applicable to each Class of Shares of the Fund. Additional details regarding such fees and services are set forth in the Funds current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
2
(i) | Investor Class Shares. |
1. | Maximum Initial Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price): None. |
2. | Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge: None. |
3. | Rule 12b-1 Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees: Pursuant to a Distribution Plan adopted under Rule 12b-1, Investor Class Shares of the Fund may pay distribution and shareholder servicing fees of up to 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to such shares. |
4. | Conversion Features: None. |
5. | Redemption Fee: 1.00% (as a percentage of amount redeemed within 60 days of purchase). |
6. | Exchange Privileges: Investor Class Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for Investor Class Shares of any other series of the Trust advised by the same investment adviser at net asset value. |
7. | Other Shareholder Services: The Trust offers an Automatic Investment Plan to holders of Investor Class Shares of the Fund. |
(ii) | Institutional Class Shares |
1. | Maximum Initial Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price): None. |
2. | Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge: None. |
3. | Rule 12b-1 Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees: None |
4. | Conversion Features: None. |
5. | Redemption Fee: None. |
6. | Exchange Privileges: Institutional Class Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for Institutional Class Shares of any other series of the Trust advised by the same investment adviser at net asset value. |
7. | Other Shareholder Services: The Trust offers an Automatic Investment Plan to holders of Institutional Class Shares of the Fund. |
VI. Board Review.
The Board of Trustees of the Trust shall review this Plan as frequently as they deem necessary. Prior to any material amendment(s) to this Plan, the Trusts Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees that are not interested persons of the Trust, shall find that the Plan, as proposed to be amended (including any proposed amendments to the
3
method of allocating Class and/or Fund expenses), is in the best interest of each Class of Shares individually and in the Fund as a whole. In considering whether to approve any proposed amendment(s) to the Plan, the Trustees of the Trust shall request and evaluate such information as they consider reasonably necessary to evaluate the proposed amendment(s) to the Plan.
Adopted: December 12, 2012
Revised: June 8, 2016
4
CODE OF ETHICS
Policies and Procedures
Fiduciary Standards and Compliance with the Federal Securities Laws
At all times, Foundry Partners and its Employees must comply with the spirit and the letter of the Federal Securities Laws and the rules governing the capital markets. The CCO administers the Code of Ethics (or the Code ). All questions regarding the Code should be directed to the CCO. Employees must cooperate to the fullest extent reasonably requested by the CCO to enable (i) Foundry Partners to comply with all applicable Federal Securities Laws and (ii) the CCO to discharge her duties under the Manual.
All Employees will act with competence, dignity, integrity, and in an ethical manner, when dealing with Clients, the public, prospects, third-party service providers and fellow Employees. Employees must use reasonable care and exercise independent professional judgment when conducting investment analysis, making investment recommendations, trading, promoting Foundry Partners services, and engaging in other professional activities.
We expect all Employees to adhere to the highest standards with respect to any potential conflicts of interest with Clients. As a fiduciary, Foundry Partners must act in its Clients best interests at all times. Neither Foundry Partners, nor any Employee should ever benefit at the expense of any Client. Notify the CCO promptly about any practice that creates, or gives the appearance of, a material conflict of interest.
Employees are generally expected to discuss any perceived risks, or concerns about Foundry Partners business practices, with their direct supervisor. However, if an Employee is uncomfortable discussing an issue with their manager, or if they believe that an issue has not been appropriately addressed, they should bring the matter to the CCOs attention.
Reporting Violations
Improper actions by Foundry Partners or its Employees could have severe negative consequences for Foundry Partners, its Clients, and its Employees. Impropriety, or even the appearance of impropriety, could negatively impact all Employees, including people who had no involvement in the problematic activities.
Employees must promptly report any improper or suspicious activities, including any suspected violations of the Code of Ethics, to the CCO. Issues can be reported to the CCO in person, or by telephone, email, or written letter. Reports of potential issues may be made anonymously. Any reports of potential problems will be thoroughly investigated by the CCO, who will report directly to the CEO on the matter. Any problems identified during the review will be addressed in ways that reflect Foundry Partners fiduciary duty to its Clients.
An Employees identification of a material compliance issue will be viewed favorably by the Companys senior executives. Retaliation against any Employee who reports a violation of the Code of Ethics in good faith is strictly prohibited and will be cause for corrective action, up to and including dismissal. If an Employee believes that he or she has been retaliated against, he or she should notify the CEO directly.
1
Violations of this Code of Ethics , or the other policies and procedures set forth in the Manual, may warrant sanctions including, without limitation, requiring that personal trades be reversed, requiring the disgorgement of profits or gifts, issuing a letter of caution or warning, suspending personal trading rights, imposing a fine, suspending employment (with or without compensation), making a civil referral to the SEC, making a criminal referral, terminating employment for cause, and/or a combination of the foregoing. Violations may also subject an Employee to civil, regulatory, or criminal sanctions. No Employee will determine whether he or she committed a violation of the Code of Ethics , or impose any sanction against himself or herself. All sanctions and other actions taken will be in accordance with applicable employment laws and regulations. If the CCO determines that a material violation of this Code of Ethics has occurred, the CCO will promptly report the violation, and any association action(s), to Foundry Partners senior management.
Distribution of the Code and Acknowledgement of Receipt
Foundry Partners will distribute this Manual, which contains the Companys Code of Ethics , to each Employee upon the commencement of employment, annually, and upon any change to the Code of Ethics or any material change to another portion of the Manual.
All Employees must acknowledge that they have received, read, understood, and agree to comply with Foundry Partners policies and procedures described in this Manual, including this Code of Ethics, upon commencement of employment, annually, and following any material change to the Manual.
Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of interest may exist between various individuals and entities, including Foundry Partners, Employees, and current or prospective Clients. Any failure to identify or properly address a conflict can have severe negative repercussions for Foundry Partners, its Employees, and/or Clients. In some cases the improper handling of a conflict could result in litigation and/or disciplinary action.
Foundry Partners policies and procedures have been designed to identify and properly disclose, mitigate, and/or eliminate applicable conflicts of interest. However, written policies and procedures cannot address every potential conflict, so Employees must use good judgment in identifying and responding appropriately to actual or apparent conflicts.
In some instances conflicts of interest may arise between Clients. Responding appropriately to these types of conflicts can be challenging, and may require robust disclosures if there is any appearance that one or more Clients have been unfairly disadvantaged. Employees should notify the CCO promptly if it appears that any actual or apparent conflict of interest between Clients has not been appropriately addressed.
Personal Securities Transactions
Employee trades should be executed in a manner consistent with our fiduciary obligations to our Clients: trades should avoid actual improprieties, as well as the appearance of impropriety. Employee trades must not be timed to precede orders placed for any Client, nor should trading activity be so excessive as to conflict with the Employees ability to fulfill daily job responsibilities.
2
Accounts Covered by the Policies and Procedures
Foundry Partners Personal Securities Transactions policies and procedures apply to all accounts holding any Securities over which Employees have any beneficial ownership interest, which typically includes accounts held by immediate family members sharing the same household. Immediate family members include children, step-children, grandchildren, parents, step-parents, grandparents, spouses, domestic partners, siblings, parents-in-law, and children-in-law, as well as adoptive relationships that meet the above criteria.
It may be possible for Employees to exclude accounts held personally or by immediate family members sharing the same household if the Employee does not have any direct or indirect influence or control over the accounts. Employees should consult with the CCO before excluding any accounts held by immediate family members sharing the same household.
Reportable and Exempt Securities
As a matter of general policy, Employees are prohibited from purchasing any securities for their personal accounts other than exempt securities (as defined below), closed-end mutual funds, municipal bonds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). However, all existing positions (Grandfathered Positions) in accounts of Employees as of the effective date of the Employees employment will be grandfathered. Employees wishing to sell securities which they already own will be subject to the pre-clearance and reporting requirements below.
Foundry Partners requires Employees to provide periodic reports regarding transactions and holdings in all Reportable Securities, which include any Security, except (exempted transactions):
| Direct obligations of the Government of the United States; |
| Bankers acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high-quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; |
| Shares issued by money market funds; |
| Shares issued by open-end investment companies registered in the U.S., other than funds advised or underwritten by Foundry Partners; |
| Interests in 529 college savings plans; and |
| Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end registered investment companies, none of which are advised or underwritten by Foundry Partners. |
ETFs, closed-end mutual funds and municipal bonds are Reportable Securities and are subject to the reporting requirements contained in Foundry Partners Personal Securities Transactions policy.
Pre-clearance Procedures
With the exception of exempted transactions, ETFs, closed-end mutual funds and municipal bonds, Employees must receive written approval for all personal securities transactions before completing securities transactions. Foundry Partners reserves the right to disapprove any proposed transaction, particularly if the transaction appears to pose a conflict of interest or otherwise appears improper.
3
Employees shall seek pre-clearance by either completing the Trade Pre-clearance Form or submitting their request through email. All pre-clearance requests must be submitted to the CCO or a designee. Once pre-clearance is granted to an Employee, such Employee may only transact in that security for the remainder of the day. If the Employee wishes to transact in that security on the following or any other day, they must again obtain pre-clearance from the CCO or a designee.
Foundry Partners Trader or CCO will maintain a Restricted List of Securities containing a list of securities about which Foundry Partners might have received Material Non-Public Information. The CCO or a designee will not pre-clear any personal transactions in Securities that are associated with any issuers on the Restricted List.
Investments in Limited Offerings and Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)
No Employee shall acquire, directly or indirectly, any Beneficial Ownership in any limited offering, such as investments in private funds and investments in LLCs, or IPO without first obtaining prior approval of the CCO or a designee.
Reporting
Foundry Partners must collect information regarding the personal trading activities and holdings of all Employees. Employee must arrange to have duplicate statements for all Reportable Accounts to be sent directly to the CCO from the Brokerage Firm in which the Account is held. Employees must submit quarterly reports regarding Securities transactions and newly opened accounts, as well as annual reports regarding holdings and existing accounts.
Quarterly Transaction Reports
Each quarter, Employees must report all Reportable Securities transactions in covered accounts. Employees must seek pre-clearance from compliance prior to opening a new account. Employees must also report any accounts opened during the quarter that hold any Securities. Reports regarding Securities transactions and newly opened accounts must be submitted to the CCO or a designee within the assigned due date.
The CCO or a designee must receive all such statements within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter.
Initial and Annual Holdings Reports
Employees must periodically report the existence of any account that holds any Reportable Securities, as well as all Reportable Securities holdings. Reports regarding accounts and holdings must be submitted to the CCO or a designee on or before the appropriate due dates. Annual reports must be current as of December 31st; initial reports must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date that the person became an Employee.
If an Employee does not have any holdings and/or accounts to report, this should be indicated on the Periodic Holdings Reporting Form.
4
Exceptions from Reporting Requirements
There are limited exceptions from certain reporting requirements. Specifically, an Employee is not required to submit:
| Quarterly reports for any transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan; |
| Any reports with respect to Securities held in accounts over which the Employee had no direct or indirect influence or control, such as an account managed by an investment adviser on a discretionary basis. |
Any investment plans or accounts that may be eligible for either of these exceptions should be brought to the attention of the CCO or a designee who will, on a case-by-case basis, determine whether the plan or account qualifies for an exception. In making this determination, the CCO may ask for supporting documentation, such as a copy of the Automatic Investment Plan, a copy of the discretionary account management agreement, and/or a written certification from an unaffiliated investment adviser.
Personal Trading and Holdings Reviews
Foundry Partners Personal Securities Transactions policies and procedures are designed to mitigate any potential material conflicts of interest associated with Employees personal trading activities.
The CCO or a designee will review all reports submitted pursuant to the Personal Securities Transactions policies and procedures for potentially abusive behavior, and will compare Employee trading with Clients trades as necessary. Any personal trading that appears abusive may result in further inquiry by the CCO and/or sanctions, up to and including dismissal.
The CEO will monitor the CCOs personal Securities transactions for compliance with the Personal Securities Transactions policies and procedures.
Disclosure of the Code of Ethics
Foundry Partners will describe its Code of Ethics in Part 2A of Form ADV and, upon request, furnish Clients with a copy of the Code of Ethics . All Client requests for Foundry Partners Code of Ethics should be directed to the CCO.
Implementation Date: July 10, 2013
Most Recent Amendment Date: December 30, 2015
Previous amendment Date: January 2, 2014
5