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Securities Act File No. 333-151672

Investment Company Act File No. 811-22208

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933   

Pre-Effective Amendment No.   
Post-Effective Amendment No. 288   

and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940   

Amendment No. 289   

 

 

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)

Registrant’s 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);
60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1);
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1);
75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2); or
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485.

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

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

 

 

 


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LOGO

Belmont Theta Income Fund

Institutional Class (BTIFX)

PROSPECTUS

April 16, 2018

Belmont Capital, LLC d/b/a Belmont Capital Group TM

1875 Century Park E., Suite 1780

Los Angeles, California 90067

(310) 203-2670

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

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


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SUMMARY SECTION

     1  

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

     8  

HOW TO BUY SHARES

     11  

HOW TO REDEEM SHARES

     13  

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

     16  

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

     17  

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

     19  

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

     21  

FOR MORE INFORMATION

     22  


Table of Contents

SUMMARY SECTION

Investment Objective

The Belmont Theta Income Fund (the “Fund”) seeks long-term growth of capital and income generation with limited correlation to equity markets.

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.

 

     Institutional
Class
 

Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Fee for Redemptions Paid by Wire

   $ 15.00  

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

 

Management Fees

     1.75

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

     None  

Other Expenses 1

     0.65

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

     2.40
  

 

 

 

Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement

     (0.41 %) 
  

 

 

 

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

     1.99
  

 

 

 

 

1 Other Expenses are estimated for the Fund’s initial fiscal year.
2 Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers/Expense Reimbursement reflects that, as of the date of this Prospectus, Belmont Capital, LLC, the Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser) has contractually agreed to waive or limit its fees and to assume other expenses of the Fund until May 31, 2020, so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses does not exceed 1.99%. This contractual arrangement may only be terminated by mutual consent of the Adviser and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, and it will automatically terminate upon the termination of the investment advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. This operating expense limitation does not apply to: (i) interest, (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage commissions, (iv) other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (v) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, (vi) dividend expense on short sales, (vii) expenses incurred under a plan of distribution under Rule 12b-1, and (viii) expenses that the Fund has incurred but did not actually pay because of an expense offset arrangement, if applicable, in any fiscal year. The operating expense limitation also excludes any “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses,” which are the expenses indirectly incurred by the Fund as a result of investing in money market funds or other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds, that have their own expenses. Each waiver or reimbursement of an expense by the Adviser is subject to repayment by the Fund within the three years following such waiver or reimbursement, provided that the Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the expense limitation in place at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

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

 

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indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The effect of the Adviser’s agreement to waive fees and/or reimburse Fund expenses is only reflected in the first two years of the example shown below. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

    

1 Year

    

3 Years

        
     $202      $ 668     

Portfolio Turnover

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

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective through the collection of option premiums through a strategy of selling (writing) put and call option spreads on the S&P 500 ® Index (SPX) and through investments in short-term fixed income instruments.

The Fund utilizes an option premium collection strategy that implements a put spread and a call spread on the S&P 500 ® Index (SPX) to create a number of defined-risk trades. A defined risk trade is essentially where a series of financial instruments (such as options) are entered into where the terms and conditions of the financial instruments are, in combination, designed to limit the overall risk. In implementing its option premium collection strategy, the Fund will sell (write) a put option (this creates a short position) while simultaneously purchasing another put option at a different strike price (this creates a long position) – the combination of these two put option positions creates a defined-risk trade. Additionally, the Fund will sell (write) a call option (this creates another short position) while simultaneously purchasing another call option at a different strike price (this creates another long position) – the combination of these two call options positions creates another defined-risk trade for the Fund. The difference between the strike price of the short and long options is referred to as the spread. The Fund’s put spreads and call spreads each contain the following characteristics: (i) the long and short options of each spread have the same number of contracts, (ii) the long option of each spread will have a further out-of-the-money strike price than the short option; (iii) the long option of each spread will have at least the same or longer expiration date than the short option. At expiration, if the short options of each spread are out-of-the-money, they expire worthless and the Fund will retain the cash collected (i.e., the premium) when the positions were originally established, net of any cash (premium) paid to purchase the long options. The net amount of premium collected by the Fund represents the maximum profit for each spread. The Fund’s put and call spreads are generally initiated simultaneously establishing a market neutral trade, meaning there is no inherent bullish or bearish bias. However, the Fund may decide to initiate and/or adjust its option spread positions with a slight bullish or bearish bias in cases when the underlying reference asset has experienced recent extreme price velocity. The Fund generally utilizes weekly and monthly SPX options with expirations of 90 days or less. SPX options are European-style options, which means that they can be exercised only at expiration (this

 

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is differentiated from American-style options, which can be exercised at any time prior to the option’s expiration). This strategy may be referred to as an index spread writing strategy. Based on the Adviser’s assessment of market conditions, the Adviser may close one or more sides of a spread at any time.

The Adviser monitors all SPX option strikes for the optimal sale of put spreads and call spreads. Once the fund has entered into a position, the Adviser attempts to realize as much of the net premium as possible. The Fund may decide to close its option spread positions prior to expiration, which may result in realizing less than the net option premium initially collected. Positions are generally re-set on a monthly basis, but the Adviser may determine to close and/or adjust option spreads prior to expiration for purposes of risk management. The Adviser’s risk/reward analysis for option position entry, closing, and risk management adjustments will consider such factors as: option implied volatility (a measure of expected future volatility that is implied by options prices), net option premiums, option delta (the sensitivity of an option’s price to a change in the price of the underlying security), option duration, S&P 500 Index valuations, and perceived market risks. The Adviser may at times determine to take a temporary defensive position and not implement its option spread writing investment strategy.

The option premium collection strategy may result in the generation of positive returns for the Fund; however, the loss potential if the strategy is not effective may be greater than the profit potential. The Fund may lose significantly more than the premium it receives in highly volatile market conditions.

The Fund is required to pledge collateral for the option trades and it will hold cash, money market instruments, or treasury bills as collateral for all such options trades. The Fund’s custodian will segregate such collateral for the benefit of the counterparty. Therefore, the Fund must typically maintain a large percentage of cash and cash equivalents within the Fund. The Fund’s option spread positions will effectively lever the portfolio and will target a notional exposure of three times the pledged collateral value.

The Fund’s investments in short-term fixed income instruments consist of cash, money market instruments, and treasury bills. The Fund’s short-term fixed income instruments are intended to provide liquidity and preserve capital. When the Fund invests in options, the short-term fixed income instruments serve as margin or collateral in a manner that satisfies contractual undertakings and regulatory requirements. Because investing in options does not require the Fund to deposit the full notional amount of the investment, the Fund will invest a significant amount of its total assets in short-term fixed income instruments.

Principal Risks

Most of the Fund’s performance depends on what happens in the S&P 500 Index and the Portfolio Manager’s evaluation of those developments. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments will result in leverage, which amplifies the risks that are associated with these markets. The markets’ behavior can be difficult to predict, particularly in the short term. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.

The following risks, which are described in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure, can significantly affect the Fund’s performance:

Call Risk. Upon the issuer’s desire to enact a call, or under other circumstances where a call is enacted, including when interest rates are low and issuers opt to repay the obligation underlying a “callable security” early, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield and may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates.

Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that issuers may fail, or become less able, to pay interest and/or principal when due. A downgrade or default affecting any of the Fund’s securities could affect the Fund’s performance.

Derivatives Risk. Derivatives, such as options, involve risks different from, and in some respects greater than, the risks associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives can be

 

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highly complex and highly volatile and may perform in unanticipated ways. Derivatives can create leverage, and the Fund could lose more than the amount it invests; some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. Derivatives can be difficult to value and may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. There may be imperfect correlation between a derivative and the reference instrument underlying the derivative. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances, and there can be no assurance that the Fund will use derivatives to reduce exposure to other risks when that might have been beneficial. Derivatives involve counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party to the derivative will fail to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the derivative. However, derivatives that are traded on organized exchanges and/or through clearing organizations involve the possibility that the futures commission merchant or clearing organization will default in the performance of its obligations. When the Fund uses derivatives, it will likely be required to provide margin or collateral and/or segregate cash or other liquid assets in a manner that satisfies contractual undertakings and regulatory requirements. These practices may not prevent the Fund from incurring losses on derivatives. The need to provide margin or collateral and/or segregate assets could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise. Ongoing changes to regulation of the derivatives markets and potential changes in the regulation of funds using derivative instruments could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies. The extent and impact of the regulation are not yet fully known and may not be for some time. New regulation of derivatives may make them costlier, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.

Options Risk. The use of options involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, or in interest or currency exchange rates, including the anticipated volatility (known as implied volatility), which in turn are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political and economic events. As such, prior to the exercise or expiration of the option, the Fund is exposed to implied volatility risk, meaning the value, as based on implied volatility, of an option may increase due to market and economic conditions or views based on the sector or industry in which issuers of the underlying instrument participate, including company-specific factors. By writing call and put option spreads on underlying instruments, the Fund’s returns over each will be determined by the performance of the underlying instrument. If the underlying instrument appreciates or depreciates sufficiently over the period to offset the net premium received, the Fund may incur losses. Increases in implied volatility of options may affect the value of an option, even if the value of the underlying instrument does not change, which could result in a reduction in the Fund’s share price. In unusual market circumstances where implied volatility sharply increases or decreases causing options spreads to be significantly correlated to the underlying instrument, the Fund’s strategy may not perform as anticipated.

Put Options Risk. By writing put options, the Fund takes on the risk of declines in the value of the underlying instrument, including the possibility of a loss up to the entire strike price of each option it sells but without the corresponding opportunity to benefit from potential increases in the value of the underlying instrument. When the Fund writes a put option, it assumes the risk that it must purchase the underlying instrument at a strike price that may be higher than the market price of the instrument. If there is a broad market decline and the Fund is not able to close out its written put options, it may result in substantial losses to the Fund. The Fund will receive a premium from writing options, but the premium received may not be sufficient to offset any losses sustained from exercised put options.

Call Options Risk. By writing a call option, the Fund may be obligated to deliver instruments underlying an option at less than the market price. In the case of an uncovered call option, there is a risk of unlimited loss. When an uncovered call is exercised, the Fund must purchase the underlying instrument to meet its call obligations and the necessary instruments may be unavailable for purchase.

High Portfolio Turnover. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading and may have a high portfolio turnover rate, which may increase the Fund’s transaction costs, may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and

 

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may generate a greater amount of capital gain distributions to shareholders than if the Fund had a low portfolio turnover rate.

Interest Rate Risk. In general, the value of investments with interest rate risk, such as debt securities, will move in the direction opposite to movements in interest rates. If interest rates rise, the value of such securities may decline. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Fund’s debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities.

Issuer-Specific Risk. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole.

Leverage Risk. Leverage amplifies changes in the Fund’s net asset value. Derivatives may create leverage and can result in losses to the Fund that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s use of any leverage will be successful and the Fund’s investment exposure can exceed its net assets. It is currently expected that the Fund’s investment program will have the effect of leveraging the Fund, sometimes by a significant amount.

Management Risk. Fund performance is dependent upon the success of the Adviser in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies in pursuit of its objective. To a significant extent, the Fund’s performance will depend on the success of the Adviser in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies. The Adviser’s assessment of market conditions, including the Adviser’s assessment of market volatility could significantly affect the Fund’s performance.

Market Volatility Risk. Markets may be volatile and values of individual securities and other investments, including those of a particular type, may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, public perceptions concerning these developments, and adverse investor sentiment. If the Fund sells a portfolio position before it reaches its market peak, it may miss out on opportunities for better performance. Heightened market volatility may result in more losses than times when the market is less volatile. It is also possible that in market conditions where market volatility rises, the price of options could rise, which, in turn, could have a detrimental effect on the Fund’s performance.

New Fund Risk. The Fund may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and its investment strategy may not be successful under all future market conditions, either of which could result in the Fund being liquidated at some future time without shareholder approval and/or at a time that may not be favorable for certain shareholders. New funds may not attract sufficient assets to achieve investment, trading or other efficiencies.

Operational Risk. The Fund and its service providers, and your ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. It is not possible for the Adviser or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.

Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Fund’s performance. A general rise in interest rates, perhaps because of changing government policies, has the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities. Such a move, coupled with a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.

 

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Risk Management . Risk is an essential part of investing. No risk management program can eliminate the Fund’s exposure to adverse events; at best, it may only reduce the possibility that the Fund will be affected by such events, and especially those risks that are not intrinsic to the Fund’s investment program.

U.S. Government Securities Risk. Although the Fund may hold securities that carry U.S. government guarantees, these guarantees do not extend to shares of the Fund itself and do not guarantee the market prices of the securities. Furthermore, not all securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury.

Valuation Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price at which the Fund has valued the investment. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.

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

Performance

The Fund has recently commenced operations and does not have a full calendar year of performance history. In the future, performance information will be presented in this section of the Prospectus. Performance information will contain a bar chart and table that provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods as compared to a broad measure of market performance. Investors should be aware that past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Updated performance information is available at www.belmontcapfunds.com or by calling the Fund toll-free at (800) 789-1087.

Portfolio Management

Investment Adviser Belmont Capital, LLC d/b/a Belmont Capital Group TM

Portfolio Management Team

 

    Stephen Solaka, Managing Partner of the Adviser since 2010.

 

    Daniel Beckwith, Managing Partner of the Adviser since 2010.

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

Minimum Initial Investment    To Place Buy or Sell Orders

$5,000 for all account types

 

$1,000 minimum amount for

subsequent investments.

  

By Mail:    Belmont Theta Income Fund

    Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

    P.O. Box 46707

    Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707

   By Phone: (800) 789-1087

You can purchase shares of the Fund through broker-dealers or directly through the Fund’s transfer agent. You may sell (redeem) your shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open either directly through the Fund’s transfer agent by calling (800) 789-1087, or through your broker-dealer or financial intermediary. You may also redeem shares by submitting a written request to the address above.

 

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Tax Information

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

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

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

 

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

Investment Objective

The Belmont Theta Income Fund (the “Fund”) seeks long-term growth of capital and income generation with limited correlation to equity markets. The Fund’s investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval. The Fund will provide 60 days’ advance notice of any change in the investment objective.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective through the collection of option premiums through a strategy of selling (writing) put and call option spreads on the S&P 500 ® Index (SPX) and through investments in short-term fixed income instruments. The Adviser’s investment process for the Fund combines risk management, due diligence, experienced portfolio construction, and portfolio monitoring. The Adviser has overall supervisory responsibilities for the general management and investment of the Fund’s securities portfolio.

The Fund intends to collect premium from the sale and purchase of call and put options on the S&P 500 ® Index. The capital gains generated by the Fund’s option strategy are expected to be 60% long term capital gains and 40% short term capital gains as the Fund believes the options will qualify as Section 1256 contracts under the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund also seeks to generate cash flow or income using a fixed income strategy.

The Fund’s risk is monitored and mitigated in several ways. The premium collection strategy trades have defined risk: risk is controlled by the number of option contracts purchased and the time frame during which they are open, and the Adviser’s defined risk trade protocol (purchasing offsetting call or put contracts for the same contracts but at a different price).

The Adviser believes this Fund is suitable to include in the risk portion of an investment portfolio that includes equities and non-investment grade fixed income securities. However, if you are seeking only investment grade fixed income investments, then the Fund is not appropriate for your investment goals.

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

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

 

    Stock Market Risk. Movements in the stock market may adversely affect the specific securities held by the Fund on a daily basis, and, as a result, such movements may negatively affect the Fund’s net asset value per share (“NAV”). Stock prices change daily as a result of many factors, including developments affecting the condition of both individual companies and the market in general. The price of a stock may even be affected by factors unrelated to the value or condition of its issuer, such as changes in interest rates, national and international economic and/or political conditions, and general equity market conditions.

 

    Put Options Risk. Options are generally subject to volatile swings in price based on changes in value of the underlying instrument and the value of the Fund’s positions in options may be subject to greater fluctuations in value than investments in the underlying instrument. The Fund will incur a form of economic leverage through its use of options, which will increase the volatility of the Fund’s returns and may increase the risk of loss to the Fund. While the Fund will collect premiums on the options it writes, the Fund’s risk of loss if one or more of its options is exercised in-the-money may substantially outweigh the gains to the Fund from the receipt of such option premiums. The Fund will segregate sufficient liquid assets to cover its obligations under each option on an ongoing basis. Moreover, the options sold by the Fund may have imperfect correlation to the returns of their underlying instruments.

 

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    Call Options Risks The Fund may also write call options. In writing a call option, the Fund will receive a premium, which increases the Fund’s return in the event the option expires unexercised or is closed out at a profit. The amount of the premium will reflect, among other things, the relationship of the market price of the underlying security to the exercise price of the option and the remaining term of the option. However, there is no assurance that a closing transaction can be effected at a favorable price. During the option period, the call writer has, in return for the premium received, given up the opportunity for capital appreciation above the exercise price should the market price of the underlying asset increase, but has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline.

 

    Volatility Risk . Volatility produces various adverse effects. In general, volatility has a tendency to discourage the participation of small investors and reduce the participation of some professionals in the financial market. This lack of participation, in turn, may tend to reduce liquidity, the ability to enter into transactions at a price close to that of the previous transaction. A consequence of illiquidity is that market-makers and specialists tend to increase the spread between the price they are willing to pay for a security (the bid) and the price at which they are willing to sell a security (the offer). For these reasons, illiquid markets and/or securities may be more difficult to trade and may possess greater risk. Although volatility provides the opportunity for significant profits it can also result in equally significant losses.

 

    Liquidity Risk . Liquidity risk is the risk that the value of an option will fall in value if trading in the option is limited or absent.

 

    Fixed Income Securities Risk . The Fund may invest in Treasury obligations. These fixed income securities are obligations of the issuer of the securities to make payments of principal and/or interest on future dates. Treasuries are generally subject to the risk that the issuer will be unable to meet principal and interest payments, and the risk of price volatility due to a variety of factors, including interest rate sensitivity, market perception of the issuer’s creditworthiness and general market conditions. As interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities typically declines. A period of volatility in economic conditions or monetary policy leading to rising interest rates could adversely affect the market of these securities and reduce the Fund’s ability to sell them. To the extent the Fund is invested in fixed-rate Treasury obligations, the return on, and value of, an investment may fluctuate.

 

    Management and Strategy Risk. The value of your investment depends on the judgement of the Adviser about market volatility and the monitoring of options strike prices for optimal entry points into the market. Investment strategies employed by the Adviser in selecting investments for the Fund may not result in an increase in the value of your investment or in overall performance equal to other investments. The Adviser’s ability to choose suitable investments has a significant impact on the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

 

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a new mutual fund and has only recently commenced operations. Accordingly, investors in the Fund bear the risk that the Fund may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, may not employ a successful investment strategy, or may fail to attract sufficient assets to realize economies of scale, any of which could result in the Fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for all shareholders. Such liquidation could have negative tax consequences.

 

   

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 Fund’s investment advisor, distributor, custodian, 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

 

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losses, and/or cause reputational damage. The Fund relies on third-party service providers for many of its 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 Fund’s 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 of any bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

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

Temporary Defensive Positions

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

Is the Fund right for you?

The Fund may be suitable for:

 

    investors looking to add “alpha” or further diversification to their existing equity portfolios. Alpha refers to the excess return on an investment as compared to that investment’s benchmark index.

 

    investors seeking returns less dependent on the direction of equity markets.

 

    investors willing to accept significant and rapid price fluctuations in their investment.

This Fund may not be right for you if you are not willing to accept rapid price fluctuations that may not be dependent on the direction of the equity markets. The Fund may only be appropriate as a portion of an investor’s overall investment portfolio.

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

 

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HOW TO BUY SHARES

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

The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $5,000 for all account types and the minimum subsequent investment is $1,000 for all account types. The Adviser may, in its sole discretion, waive this minimum for accounts participating in an automatic investment program and in certain other circumstances. The Fund may waive or lower investment minimums for investors who invest in the Fund through an asset-based fee program made available through a financial intermediary. If your investment is aggregated into an omnibus account established by an investment adviser, broker or other intermediary, the account minimums apply to the omnibus account, not to your individual investment. The financial intermediary may also impose minimum requirements that are different from those set forth in this Prospectus. If you choose to purchase or redeem shares directly from the Fund, you will not incur charges on purchases and redemptions. However, if you purchase or redeem Shares through a broker-dealer or another intermediary, you may be charged a fee by that intermediary.

Initial Purchase

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

 

    a completed and signed investment application form; and

 

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

Mail the application and check to:

 

U.S. Mail:

Belmont Theta Income Fund

c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

P.O. Box 46707

Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707

  

Overnight:

Belmont Theta Income Fund

c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, 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) 789-1087 to obtain instructions on how to set up your account and to obtain an account number.

You must provide a signed application to Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Fund’s transfer agent, at the above address in order to complete your initial wire purchase. Wire orders will be accepted only on a day on which the Fund and its custodian and transfer agent are open for business. A wire purchase will not be considered made until the wired money is received and the purchase is accepted by the Fund. The purchase price per share will be the NAV 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.

 

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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 Belmont Theta Income 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) 789-1087 to obtain instructions.

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 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) 789-1087 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) 789-1087.

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 may 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, counter checks, starter checks, traveler’s checks, money orders, credit card checks, and checks drawn on non-U.S. financial institutions will not be accepted. Cashier’s checks and bank official checks may be accepted in amounts greater than $10,000. In such cases, a fifteen (15) calendar day hold will be applied to the funds, (which means that you may not receive proceeds from your redeemed shares until the holding period has expired).

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 NAV next calculated thereafter. It is the responsibility of the broker-dealer or other financial institution to transmit orders promptly to the Fund’s transfer agent.

 

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HOW TO REDEEM SHARES

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

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

 

U.S. Mail:

Belmont Theta Income Fund

c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

P.O. Box 46707

Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707

  

Overnight:

Belmont Theta Income Fund

c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, 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 names, the address, and the dollar amount or number of shares you wish to redeem. Requests to sell shares that are received in good order are processed at the NAV next calculated after the Fund receives your order in proper form. To be in good order, your request must be signed by all registered share owner(s) in the exact name(s) and any special capacity in which they are registered. The Fund may require that signatures be guaranteed if you request the redemption check be made payable to any person other than the shareholder(s) of record or mailed to an address other than the address of record, or if the mailing address has been changed within 15 days of the redemption request. The Fund may also require a signature guarantee for redemptions of $25,000 or more. Signature guarantees are for the protection of shareholders. You can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks and securities dealers, but not from a notary public. All documentation requiring a signature guarantee must utilize a New Technology Medallion Stamp. For joint accounts, both signatures must be guaranteed. Please call Shareholder Services at (800) 789-1087 if you have questions. At the discretion of the Adviser or the transfer agent, the signature guarantee requirements may be modified or waived, and you may be required to furnish additional legal documents to insure proper authorization.

By Telephone —You may redeem any part of your account (up to $25,000) in the Fund by calling Shareholder Services at (800) 789-1087. You must first complete the optional Telephone Redemption section of the investment application to institute this option. The Fund, and its transfer agent and custodian are not liable for following redemption or exchange instructions communicated by telephone to the extent that they reasonably believe the telephone instructions to be genuine. However, if they do not employ reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone instructions are genuine, they may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Procedures employed may include recording telephone instructions and requiring a form of personal identification from the caller.

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

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

 

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Redemptions In-Kind

Generally, all redemptions will be paid in cash. The Fund typically expects to satisfy requests by using holdings of cash or cash equivalents or selling portfolio assets. On a less regular basis, and if the Adviser believes it is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders not to sell portfolio assets, the Fund may satisfy redemption requests by using short-term borrowings from the Fund’s custodian. These methods normally will be used during both regular and stressed market conditions. In addition to paying redemption proceeds in cash, the Fund reserves the right to make payment for a redemption in securities rather than cash, which is known as a “redemption in kind.” If the amount you are redeeming is over the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net assets, the Fund has the right to redeem your shares by giving you the amount that exceeds the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net assets in securities instead of cash. A redemption in kind will consist of securities equal in market value to the Fund shares being redeemed, using the same valuation procedures that the Fund uses to compute its NAV. Redemption in kind transactions will typically be made by delivering readily marketable securities to the redeeming shareholder within 7 days after the Fund’s receipt of the redemption order in proper form. Marketable securities are assets that are regularly traded or for which updated price quotations are available. Illiquid securities are investments that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Certain illiquid securities may be valued using estimated prices from one of the Trust’s approved pricing agents. If the Fund redeems your shares in kind, it will value the securities pursuant to policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”). You will bear the market risks associated with maintaining or selling the securities that are transferred as redemption proceeds. In the event that an in-kind distribution is made, a shareholder may incur additional expenses, such as taxes or 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 has been designed as a long-term investment and not as a frequent or short-term trading (“market timing”) option. Market timing can be disruptive to the portfolio management process and may adversely impact the ability to implement investment strategies. In addition to being disruptive, the risks presented by market timing include higher expenses through increased trading and transaction costs; forced and unplanned portfolio turnover; large asset swings that decrease the ability to maximize investment return; and potentially diluting the value of the share price. These risks can have an adverse effect on investment performance.

Although the Fund does not encourage frequent purchases and redemptions, the Board has not adopted policies and procedures to detect and prevent market timing in the Fund because the Board does not believe that market timing is a significant risk to the Fund given the type of securities held in the Fund. Accordingly, the Fund will permit frequent and short-term trading of shares of the Fund. The Fund may modify any terms or conditions of purchase of shares or withdraw all or any part of the offering made by this Prospectus. Although the Board does not believe that there is a significant risk associated with market timing for the Fund, the Fund cannot guarantee that such trading will not occur. Notwithstanding, the Fund reserves the right to refuse to allow any purchase by a prospective or current investor.

Additional Information

If you are not certain of the requirements for a redemption please call Shareholder Services at (800) 789-1087. Redemptions specifying a certain date or share price cannot be accepted and will be returned. The length of time the Fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds is similar regardless of whether the payment is made by check, wire, or ACH. The Fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds for shares redeemed within the following days after receipt by the transfer agent of a redemption request in proper form:

 

    For payment by check, the Fund typically expects to mail the check within one to three business days;

 

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    For payment by wire or ACH, the Fund typically expects to process the payment within one to three business days.

Payment of redemption proceeds may take longer than the time the Fund typically expects and may take up to 7 days as permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under unusual circumstances as permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Fund may suspend the right of redemption or delay payment of redemption proceeds for more than 7 days. When shares are purchased by check or through ACH, the proceeds from the redemption of those shares will not be paid until the purchase check or ACH transfer has been converted to federal funds, which could take up to 15 calendar days. You may be assessed a fee if the Fund incurs bank charges because you request that the Fund re-issue a redemption check.

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

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

 

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DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

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

The Fund’s assets generally are valued at their market value. If market prices are not available (including when they are not reliable), or if an event occurs after the close of the trading market but before the calculation of the NAV that materially affects the values, assets may be valued at a fair value, pursuant to guidelines established by the Board. 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, the Fund (with the assistance of its service providers) seeks to assign the value that represents the amount that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive upon a current sale of the securities. However, given the subjectivity inherent in fair valuation and the fact that events could occur after NAV calculation, the actual market prices for a security may differ from the fair value of that security as determined by the Adviser at the time of NAV calculation. Thus, discrepancies between fair values and actual market prices may occur on a regular and recurring basis. These discrepancies do not necessarily indicate that the Fund’s fair value methodology is inappropriate. The Fund will adjust the fair values assigned to securities in the Fund’s portfolio, to the extent necessary, as soon as market prices become available. The Fund (and its service providers) continually monitors and evaluates the appropriateness of its fair value methodologies through systematic comparisons of fair values to the actual next available market prices of securities contained in the Fund’s portfolio. To the extent the Fund invests in other mutual funds, the Fund’s NAV is calculated based, in part, upon the NAVs 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 NAVs.

 

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DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

Dividends and Distributions. The Fund typically distributes to its shareholders as dividends all or 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 will automatically 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;

 

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

 

    Your bank account of record is no longer valid.

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

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

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

The Fund expects to distribute all or substantially all of its net investment income and net realized gain to its shareholders at least annually. Shareholders may elect to take dividends from net investment income or capital gain distributions, if any, in cash or reinvest them in additional Fund shares. Although the Fund will not be taxed on amounts 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 gain are generally taxed as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long a shareholder has held Fund shares. Distributions may be subject to state and local taxes, as well as federal taxes.

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

 

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

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

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

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

Federal law requires that mutual fund companies report their shareholders’ cost basis, gain/loss, and holding period to the IRS on the Fund’s 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 the standing (default) tax lot identification method for all shareholders. A tax lot identification method is the way the Fund will determine which specific shares are deemed to be sold when there are multiple purchases on different dates at differing NAVs, and the entire position is not sold at one time. The Fund’s standing tax lot identification method is the method covered shares will be reported on your Forms 1099-B if you do not select a specific tax lot identification method. You may choose a method different than the Fund’s standing method and will be able to do so at the time of your purchase or upon the sale of covered shares. Please refer to the appropriate IRS regulations or consult your tax adviser with regard to your personal circumstances.

For those securities defined as “covered” under current IRS 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.

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

Adviser. Belmont Capital, LLC d/b/a Belmont Capital Group TM , 1875 Century Park E., Suite 1780, Los Angeles, California 90067, serves as investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser has overall supervisory management responsibility for the general management and investment of the Fund’s portfolio. The Adviser was formed in 2010 and is controlled by two principals of the firm, Mr. Stephen Solaka and Mr. Daniel Beckwith, also portfolio managers of the Fund. The Adviser serves high net worth individuals, corporations and institutions, and as of November 30, 2017 had assets under management of approximately $1.054 billion.

The Fund is required to pay the Adviser a fee equal to 1.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. A discussion of the factors that the Board considered in approving the Fund’s advisory agreement will be contained in the Fund’s semi-annual report dated July 31, 2018. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive or limit its fees and to assume other expenses of the Fund until May 31, 2020 so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses does not exceed 1.99%. This contractual arrangement may only be terminated by mutual consent of the Adviser and the Board, and it will automatically terminate upon the termination of the investment advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. This operating expense limitation does not apply to: (i) interest, (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage commissions, (iv) other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (v) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, (vi) dividend expense on short sales, (vii) expenses incurred under a plan of distribution under Rule 12b-1, and (viii) expenses that the Fund has incurred but did not actually pay because of an expense offset arrangement, if applicable, in any fiscal year. The operating expense limitation also excludes any “Fees and Expenses of Acquired Funds,” which are the expenses indirectly incurred by the Fund as a result of investing in money market funds or other investment companies, including ETFs, that have their own expenses. Each waiver or reimbursement of an expense by the Adviser is subject to repayment by the Fund within the three years following the date of such waver or reimbursement, provided that the Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the expense limitation in place at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

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

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

 

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Portfolio Managers. Stephen Solaka and Daniel Beckwith serve as co-portfolio managers of the Fund.

Stephen Solaka — Mr. Solaka is a Managing Partner and co-founder of the Adviser. He has over 17 years of financial market experience focusing on equity risk management, options and portfolio management. Mr. Solaka has been quoted by Barron’s, The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg regarding options and hedging. Prior to founding Belmont, Mr. Solaka was a Director at Dorchester Capital Advisors, a fund of hedge funds focusing on equity and credit investments. Stephen previously advised clients at UBS Private Wealth Management, a division of UBS focused on families with over $10 million in investable assets. Prior to UBS, Mr. Solaka was a VP of Equity Derivatives at TD Options, a division of Toronto Dominion Bank. At TD he held responsibility for the firm’s media and telecom options portfolio. This involved proprietary trading and market making on over 200 individual equities and sector ETFs. Mr. Solaka also held equity, ETF and index option making positions at Bear Wagner Specialists and Stafford Trading. He was formerly a member of the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Chicago Board of Trade and American Stock Exchange. Mr. Solaka holds a B.A. in Finance from the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University.

Daniel Beckwith — Mr. Beckwith is a Managing Partner and co-founder of the Adviser. Mr. Beckwith is responsible for quantitative modeling, trade execution and portfolio risk management at the Adviser. Mr. Beckwith previously advised high-net worth families at Wells Fargo Advisors and Merrill Lynch. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, he was a senior trader at Wolverine Trading, one of the largest option market makers in the world. Mr. Beckwith was a member of Wolverine’s index option market making group where he was responsible for trading, risk management and pricing of Nasdaq 100 ETF and index options. He was also an ETF exchange specialist in the OEF product on the Chicago Board Options Exchange. Mr. Beckwith holds a B.A. in Accounting from the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University.

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

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Because the Fund recently commenced operations, no financial highlights are available. In the future, financial highlights will be presented in this section of the Prospectus.

 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

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

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

How to Obtain Copies of Other Fund Documents

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

The Fund’s website at www.belmontcapfunds.com

You can get free copies of the current Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, as well as the SAI, by contacting Shareholder Services at (800) 789-1087. 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 SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call the SEC at 1-202-551-8090 for room hours and operation. You may also obtain reports and other information about the Fund on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov , and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov , or by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.

Investment Company Act #811-22208

 

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Belmont Theta Income Fund

Institutional Class (BTIFX)

A Series of Valued Advisers Trust

Statement of Additional Information

April 16, 2018

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus (the “Prospectus”) of the Belmont Theta Income Fund (the “Fund”) dated April 16, 2018. A free copy of the Prospectus or Annual Report, when available, can be obtained by writing Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Fund’s transfer agent, at P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707, or by calling Shareholder Services at (800) 789-1087.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUND

     1  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS

     2  

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

     6  

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

     6  

INVESTMENT ADVISER

     8  

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

     10  

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

     15  

ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

     16  

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

     16  

CODES OF ETHICS

     17  

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

     17  

PROXY VOTING POLICY

     19  

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

     20  

REDEMPTION IN-KIND

     21  

STATUS AND TAXATION OF THE FUND

     21  

CUSTODIAN

     34  

FUND SERVICES

     34  

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

     35  

LEGAL COUNSEL

     35  

DISTRIBUTOR

     35  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     36  

EXHIBIT A

     37  

EXHIBIT B

     39  

EXHIBIT C

     54  


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DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUND

The Belmont Theta Income Fund (the “Fund”) is an open-end diversified series of Valued Advisers Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust is a management investment company established under the laws of Delaware by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated June 13, 2008 (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series without par value. The Fund is one of a series of funds authorized by the Trustees. The Fund’s investment adviser is Belmont Capital, LLC d/b/a Belmont Capital Group TM (the “Adviser”).

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

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

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

 

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS

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

A. Derivative Instruments . The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which are financial instruments whose performance and value are derived, at least in part, from another source, such as the performance of an underlying asset or security. Derivatives may generally be purchased for a variety of purposes, including hedging, to enhance returns, as a substitute for purchasing or selling securities, to maintain liquidity or in anticipation of changes in the composition of its portfolio holdings. The Fund’s transactions in derivative instruments may include, among others, the purchase and writing of options.

As part of its principal investment strategy, the Fund will purchase and write ( i.e.,  sell) put and call options on the Standards & Poor’s 500 ®  (“S&P 500”) Index. Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails greater than ordinary investment risk. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments, and therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying instruments themselves.

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

Stock index options are put options and call options on various stock indices. In most respects, they are identical to listed options on common stocks. The primary difference between stock options and index options occurs when index options are exercised. In the case of stock options, the underlying security, common stock, is delivered. However, upon the exercise of an index option, settlement does not occur by delivery of the securities comprising the index. The option holder who exercises the index option receives an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index upon which the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the stock index and the exercise price of

 

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the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple. A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market value of the stocks included in the index. For example, the Fund will invest in stock index options based on the S&P 500 Index as part of its principal investment strategies.

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

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

Certain Risks Regarding Options.  There are several risks associated with transactions in options. For example, there are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular options, whether traded over-the-counter or on an exchange, may be absent for reasons which include the following: there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities or currencies; unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading value; or one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

 

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

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

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

Cover for Options Positions.  Selling options exposes the Fund to an obligation to another party. The Fund will not enter into any such transactions unless it owns either (i) an offsetting (“covered”) position in securities or other options or (ii) cash or liquid securities with a value sufficient at all times to cover its potential obligations not covered as provided in (i) above. The Fund will comply with SEC guidelines regarding cover for these instruments and, if the guidelines so require, set aside cash or liquid securities in a segregated account with the Custodian in the prescribed amount. Under current SEC guidelines, the Fund will segregate assets to cover transactions in which the Fund writes or sells options.

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

 

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

C. Obligations Backed by the U.S. Government . U.S. government obligations include the following types of securities:

1. U.S. Treasury Securities . U.S. Treasury securities include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds. For these securities, the payment of principal and interest is unconditionally guaranteed by the U.S. government, and thus they are of the highest possible credit quality. Such securities are subject to variations in market value due to fluctuations in interest rates, but, if held to maturity, will be paid in full.

2. Federal Agency Securities . The securities of certain U.S. government agencies and government sponsored entities are guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Such agencies and entities include the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), Veteran’s Administration (VA), the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Export/Import Bank, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

D. Other Federal Agency Obligations . Additional federal agency securities are not either direct obligations of, nor guaranteed by, the U.S. government. These obligations include securities issued by certain U.S. government agencies and government sponsored entities. However, they generally involve some form of federal sponsorship: some operate under a government charter; some are backed by specific types of collateral; some are supported by the issuer’s right to borrow from the Treasury; and others are supported only by the credit of the issuing government agency or entity. These agencies and entities include, but are not limited to: Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), Tennessee Valley Authority, and Federal Farm Credit Bank System.

E. Money Market Instruments . The Fund may seek to minimize risk by investing in money market instruments, which are high-quality, short-term securities. Although changes in interest rates may change the market value of a security, the Funds expect those changes to be minimal with respect to those securities, which are often purchased for defensive purposes. However, even though money market instruments are generally considered to be high-quality, low risk investments, recently a number of issuers of money market and money market-type instruments have experienced financial difficulties, leading in some cases to rating downgrades and decreases in the value of their securities.

 

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F. Temporary Investments . To maintain cash for redemptions and distributions and for temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest in money market mutual funds and in investment grade short-term fixed income securities including short-term U.S. government securities, negotiable certificates of deposit, commercial paper, banker’s acceptances and repurchase agreements. The Fund may also invest in futures, options, shorts and foreign currency hedging as a defensive measure. To the extent that the Fund engages in a temporary, defensive strategy, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

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

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

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

 

  1. Borrowing Money . The Fund will not borrow money, except from: (a) a bank, provided that immediately after such borrowing there is an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings of the Fund; or (b) a bank or other persons for temporary purposes only, provided that such temporary borrowings are in an amount not exceeding 5% of the Fund’s total assets at the time when the borrowing is made. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from entering into reverse repurchase transactions, provided that the Fund has an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings and repurchase commitments of the Fund pursuant to reverse repurchase transactions.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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.

 

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INVESTMENT ADVISER

The Fund’s Adviser is Belmont Capital, LLC d/b/a Belmont Capital Group TM , 1875 Century Park E., Suite 1780, Los Angeles, California 90067. The Adviser was formed in 2010 by Mr. Stephen Solaka and Mr. Daniel Beckwith who each own 50% of the Adviser and serve as portfolio managers to the Fund. The Adviser provides investment advice to individuals, corporations and institutions and, as of November 30, 2017 had assets under management of approximately $1.054 billion. The Fund is the first mutual fund managed by the Adviser.

Under the terms of the management agreement (the “Agreement”), the Adviser manages the Fund’s investments subject to oversight by the Board. 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 1.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive or limit its fees and to assume other expenses of the Fund until May 31, 2020, so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses does not exceed 1.99%. This contractual arrangement may only be terminated by mutual consent of the Adviser and the Board, and it will automatically terminate upon the termination of the investment advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. This operating expense limitation does not apply to: (i) interest, (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage commissions, (iv) other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (v) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, (vi) dividend expense on short sales, (vii) expenses incurred under a plan of distribution under Rule 12b-1, and (viii) expenses that the Fund has incurred but did not actually pay because of an expense offset arrangement, if applicable, in any fiscal year. The operating expense limitation also excludes any “Fees and Expenses of Acquired Funds,” which are the expenses indirectly incurred by the Fund as a result of investing in money market funds or other investment companies, including ETFs, that have their own expenses. Each waiver or reimbursement of an expense by the Adviser is subject to repayment by the Fund within the three years following such waiver or reimbursement, provided that the Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the expense limitation in place at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

The Adviser retains the right to use the name “Belmont” or “Belmont Capital Group” in connection with another investment company or business enterprise with which the Adviser is or may become associated. The Trust’s right to use the name “Belmont” or “Belmont Capital Group” 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

 

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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

Stephen Solaka and Daniel Beckwith are co-portfolio managers of the Fund (“Portfolio Managers”). As of November 30, 2017 the Portfolio Managers, were responsible for managing the following types of accounts, in addition to the Fund:

Stephen Solaka

 

Account Type

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

Registered Investment Companies

     0        N/A        N/A        N/A  

Pooled Investment Vehicles

     0        N/A        N/A        N/A  

Other Accounts

     608      $ 1,053,905,583        0        N/A  

Daniel Beckwith

 

Account Type

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

Registered Investment Companies

     0        N/A        N/A        N/A  

Pooled Investment Vehicles

     0        N/A        N/A        N/A  

Other Accounts

     608      $ 1,053,905,583        0        N/A  

Compensation : Each of the Portfolio Managers are compensated through their equity ownership in the Adviser. They do not receive separate compensation for their services as Portfolio Managers. As equity members of the Adviser, the Portfolio Managers receive compensation in the form of distributions and profits form the Adviser.

Potential Conflicts of Interest : Potential conflicts of interest may arise because the Portfolio Managers use the same proprietary investment methodology for the Fund as they use for other clients. This means that the Portfolio Managers will make the investment strategies

 

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

Ownership of Fund Shares : The Fund is required to show the dollar amount range of each Portfolio Manager’s beneficial ownership of shares of the Fund as of the most recently completed fiscal year. As of the date of this SAI, the Fund had not commenced operations, so the Portfolio Managers own no shares of the Fund.

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust and is responsible for protecting the interests of shareholders. The Chairperson of the Board is Andrea N. Mullins, who is not an “interested person” of the Trust, as that term is defined under the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustee”). The Board has considered the overall leadership structure of the Trust and has established committees designed to facilitate the governance of the Trust by the Trustees generally and the Board’s role with respect to risk oversight specifically. The Trust’s committees are responsible for certain aspects of risk oversight relating to financial statements, the valuation of the Trust’s assets, and compliance matters. The Board also has frequent interaction with the service providers and Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) of the Trust with respect to risk oversight matters. The CCO reports directly to the Board generally with respect to the CCO’s role in managing the compliance risks of the Trust. The CCO may also report directly to a particular committee of the Board depending on the subject matter. The Trust’s principal financial officer reports to the Audit Committee of the Board on all financial matters affecting the Trust, including risks associated with financial reporting. Through the committee structure, the Trustees also interact with other officers and service providers of the Trust to monitor risks related to the Trust’s operations. The Trust has determined that its leadership structure is appropriate based on the size of the Trust, the Board’s current responsibilities, each Trustee’s 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 Trust’s activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the Fund and review performance. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires or is removed.

 

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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 P. Cohen , 59

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 Access Credit Fund (since January 2017); Trustee and Audit Committee Chairman, Griffin Institutional Real Estate Access Fund (since May 2014); Trustee, Angel Oak Funds Trust (since October 2014); Chairman (since April 2017); Trustee, Chairman, and Nominating and Governance Committee Chairman, Angel Oak Strategic Credit Fund (since December 2017).

Andrea N. Mullins ,   50 Independent Trustee Since December 2013

Chairperson since March 2017

   Current : Private investor; Independent Contractor, SWM Advisors (since April 2014).    None.

 

* The address for each Trustee and officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.
** As of the date of this SAI, the Trust consists of 12 series.

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

 

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Name, Address*,

Age, Position with

Trust**, Term of

Position with Trust

  

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

  

Other Directorships

Mark J. Seger,  56

Trustee Since March 2017

   Current : President, Managing Director, and Co-Founder, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since 1999); Treasurer and Managing Director, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (since 1999); President and Managing Director, Ultimus Asset Services, LLC (since 2016)    None.

 

* The address for each Trustee and officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.
** As of the date of this SAI, the Trust consists of 12 series.

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

The Trust’s Audit Committee consists of the Independent Trustees. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, its internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers; overseeing the quality and objectivity of the Fund’s financial statements and the independent audit of the financial statements; and acting as a liaison between the Fund’s independent auditors and the full Board. During the 2017 calendar year, the Audit Committee met five times.

The Pricing Committee of the Board is responsible for reviewing and approving the Fund’s fair valuation determinations, if any. The members of the Pricing Committee are all of the Trustees, except that any one member of the Pricing Committee constitutes a quorum for purposes of reviewing and approving a fair value. During the 2017 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 Committee’s purposes, duties and powers are set forth in its written charter, which is included in Exhibit C – the charter also describes the process by which shareholders of the Trust may make nominations. During the 2017 calendar year, the Governance and Nominating Committee met three times.

Trustee Qualifications

Generally, no one factor was decisive in the original selection of an individual to join the Board. Among the factors the Board considered when concluding that an individual should serve on the Board were the following: (1) the individual’s business and professional experience and accomplishments; (2) the individual’s ability to work effectively with the other members of

 

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the Board; and (3) how the individual’s skills, experience and attributes would contribute to an appropriate mix of relevant skills and experience on the Board. In respect of each Trustee, the individual’s substantial professional accomplishments and prior experience, including, in some cases, in fields related to the operations of the Trust, were a significant factor in the determination that the individual should serve as a Trustee of the Trust. In addition to the information provided above, below is a summary of the specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills of each Trustee and the reason why he was selected to serve as Trustee:

Andrea N. Mullins – Ms. Mullins has over 22 years of experience in the mutual fund industry, including experience in management, accounting and financial reporting.

Ira P. Cohen – Mr. Cohen has over 35 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 investment management industry’s operations and distribution related matters.

Mark J. Seger - Mr. Seger has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, including extensive experience in an executive management role with two different mutual fund servicing companies, including the Trust’s administrator. Mr. Seger 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

Bo J. Howell, 36

Principal Executive Officer and President

Since March 2017

  

Current : Vice President, Director of Fund Administration, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since 2014).

 

Previous : Counsel, Securities and Mutual Funds, Western & Southern Financial Group (2012 – 2014).

   None.

Brandon Kipp, 34

Chief Compliance Officer Since October 2017

  

Current : Senior Fund Compliance Officer, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since July 2017)

 

Previous : Assistant Vice President and Compliance Manager, UMB Fund Services, Inc. (March 2014 to July 2017); Officer and Lead Fund Administrator, UMB Fund Services, Inc. (May 2012 to March 2014).

   None.

 

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Name, Address*, Age,

Position with Trust**,

Term of Position with

Trust

  

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

  

Other Directorships

Carol J. Highsmith , 53

Vice President Since August 2008

   Current : Assistant Vice President, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since December 2015).    None.
Secretary Since March 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).   

Matthew J. Miller , 42

Vice President Since
December 2011

  

Current : Assistant Vice President, Relationship Management, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since December 2015).

 

Previous : Employed in various positions with Huntington Asset Services, Inc. (n/k/a Ultimus Asset Services, LLC) (July 1998 to December 2015), most recently Vice President of Relationship Management (2005 to December 2015).

   None.
Bryan W. Ashmus , 45 Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer Since
December 2013
  

Current : Vice President and Director of Financial Administration, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since December 2015).

 

Previous : Vice President and Manager of Financial Administration, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. (n/k/a Ultimus Asset Services, LLC) (September 2013 to December 2015); Vice President, Fund Administration, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (from May 2005 to September 2013).

   None.

Stephen L. Preston , 51

AML Officer since

June 2017

   Current : Chief Compliance Officer, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since June 2011); Chief Compliance Officer of Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (since June 2011).    None.

 

* The address for each Trustee and officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.
** As of the date of this SAI, the Trust consists of 12 series.

The table below shows for each Trustee, the amount of Fund equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee, and the aggregate value of all investments in equity securities of the funds of the Trust, as of December 31, 2017 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.

 

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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

     

Andrea N. Mullins

     A        A  

Ira P. Cohen

     A        A  

Interested Trustee

     

Mark J. Seger

     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 and the total assets of each series relative to the overall assets of 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 P. Cohen

   $2,583    $0    $0    $31,000

Andrea N. Mullins

   $2,667    $0    $0    $32,000

 

* As of the date of this SAI, the Trust consists of 12 series. Each series, including the Fund, pays a portion of the overall Independent Trustees’ 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 Trust’s standing committees and for participating in special meetings of the Board.

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of a fund, under Section 2(a) (9) of the 1940 Act. As a controlling shareholder, each of these persons could control the outcome of any proposal submitted to the shareholders for approval, including changes to the Fund’s fundamental policies or the terms of the management agreement with the Adviser.

As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees and officers of the Trust own beneficially none of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As of the date of this SAI, the Fund had not yet commenced operations.

 

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ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

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

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

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

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

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

Research services include supplemental research, securities and economic analyses, statistical services and information with respect to the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities and analyses of reports concerning performance of accounts. The research services and other information furnished by brokers through whom the Fund effects securities transactions may also be used by the Adviser in servicing all of its accounts. Similarly, research and information provided by brokers or dealers serving other clients may be useful to the

 

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Adviser in connection with its services to the Fund. Although research services and other information are useful to the Fund and the Adviser, it is not possible to place a dollar value on the research and other information received. It is the opinion of the Board and the Adviser that the review and study of the research and other information will not reduce the overall cost to the Adviser of performing its duties to the Fund under the Agreement.

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

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

CODES OF ETHICS

The Trust, the Fund’s distributor, and the Adviser have each adopted a Code of Ethics (each a “Code” and collectively, the “Codes”) pursuant to Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act, and the Adviser’s Code also conforms to Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The personnel subject to the Codes are permitted to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. You may obtain a copy of the Codes from the Fund, free of charge, by calling the Fund at (800) 789-1087. You may also obtain copies of the Trust’s Code from documents filed with the SEC and available on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov .

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

The Fund is required to include a schedule of portfolio holdings in its annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, which is sent to shareholders within 60 days of the end of the second and fourth fiscal quarters and which is filed with the 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).

 

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

Additionally, the Fund has ongoing arrangements to release portfolio holdings to Morningstar, Inc., Lipper, Inc., Bloomberg, Standard & Poor’s, Thomson Financial and Vickers-Stock (“Rating Agencies”) in order for those organizations to assign a rating or ranking to the Fund. In these instances portfolio holdings will be supplied within approximately 15 days after the end of the month. The Rating Agencies may make the Fund’s top portfolio holdings available on their websites and may make the Fund’s complete portfolio holdings available to their subscribers for a fee. Neither the Fund, the Adviser nor any of their affiliates receive any portion of this fee. Information released to Rating Agencies is 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 Fund’s investments are divided among various sectors, industries, countries, investment styles and capitalization sizes, and among stocks, bonds, currencies and cash, security types, bond maturities, bond coupons and bond credit quality ratings. This portfolio commentary may also include information on how these various weightings and factors contributed to Fund performance. Employees of the Adviser may also provide oral or written information (statistical information) about various financial characteristics of 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 Fund’s portfolio as of the most recent quarter-end or the end of some other interim period, such as month-end. The portfolio commentary and statistical information may be provided to various persons, including members of the press, brokers and other financial intermediaries that sell shares of the Fund,

 

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shareholders in the Fund, persons considering investing in the Fund or representatives of such shareholders or potential shareholders, such as fiduciaries of a 401(k) plan or a trust and their adviser. The nature and content of the information provided to each of these persons may differ.

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

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

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

PROXY VOTING POLICY

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

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

 

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You may also obtain a copy of the Trust’s and the Adviser’s proxy voting policy by calling Shareholder Services at (800) 789-1087 to request a copy, or by writing to Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Fund’s 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 SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. A copy of the votes cast by the Fund with respect to portfolio securities for each year ended June 30 th will be filed by the Fund with the SEC on Form N-PX. The Fund’s proxy voting record will be available to shareholders free of charge upon request by calling or writing the Fund as described above or from the SEC’s web site.

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

The NAV of the shares of the Fund is determined as of the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the Trust, its custodian, and transfer agent are open for business and on any other day on which there is sufficient trading in the Fund’s securities to materially affect the NAV. 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 Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. For a description of the methods used to determine the NAV (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. The Board 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 on a quarterly basis.

The Fund’s NAV 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             = NAV Per Share

    Shares Outstanding

 

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REDEMPTION IN-KIND

The Fund does not intend to redeem shares in any form except cash. However, if the redemption amount is over the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net assets, pursuant to an election under Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act by the Trust on behalf of the Fund, the Fund has the right to redeem your shares by giving you the amount that exceeds the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net assets 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, REIT, 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.

 

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

Taxation as a RIC

The Fund intends to qualify each year for treatment as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). There can be no assurance that it actually will so qualify. The Fund will qualify as a RIC if, among other things, it meets the source-of-income and the asset-diversification requirements. With respect to the source-of-income requirement, the Fund must derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income (including tax-exempt interest) from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such shares, securities or currencies and (ii) net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership.” A “qualified publicly traded partnership” is generally defined as a publicly traded partnership under Internal Revenue Code section 7704. However, for these purposes, a qualified publicly traded partnership does not include a publicly traded partnership if 90% or more of its income is described in (i) above. Income derived from a partnership (other than a qualified publicly traded partnership) or trust is qualifying income to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership or trust which would be qualifying income if realized by the Fund in the same manner as realized by the partnership or trust.

If a RIC fails this 90% income test, as long as such failure is inadvertent, such RIC is only required to pay a tax equal to the amount by which it failed the 90% income test.

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

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

 

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Similarly, if a RIC fails this asset-diversification test and the failure is not de minimis, a RIC can cure failure if: (a) the RIC files with the Treasury Department a description of each asset that causes the RIC to fail the diversification tests; (b) the failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect; and (c) the failure is cured within six months (or such other period specified by the Treasury). In such cases, a tax is imposed on the RIC equal to the greater of: (a) $50,000 or (b) an amount determined by multiplying the highest rate of corporate tax (currently 21%) 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 21%). The Fund intends to distribute at least annually substantially all of its investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt interest, and net capital gain.

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

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

 

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character (as short or as long-term). For net capital losses recognized prior to such date, such losses are permitted to be carried forward up to 8 years and are characterized as short-term. These capital loss carryforwards may be utilized in future years to offset net realized capital gains of the Fund, if any, prior to distributing such gains to shareholders.

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

The Fund may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which it does not receive cash. For example, if the Fund holds debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with payment in kind interest or, in certain cases, with increasing interest rates or that are issued with warrants), the Fund must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by the Fund in the same taxable year. Because any original issue discount accrued will be included in the Fund’s “investment company taxable income” (discussed below) for the year of accrual, the Fund may be required to make a distribution to its shareholders to satisfy the distribution requirement, even though it will not have received an amount of cash that corresponds with the income earned.

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

Failure to Qualify as a RIC

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

 

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

Taxation of U.S. Shareholders

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

 

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

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

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

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

Sales and other dispositions of the shares of the Fund generally are taxable events. U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax adviser with reference to their individual circumstances to determine whether any particular transaction in the shares of the Fund is properly treated as a sale or exchange for federal income tax purposes, as the following discussion assumes, and the tax treatment of any gains or losses recognized in such transactions. The sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund will generally result in capital

 

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gain or loss to the shareholder equal to the difference between the amount realized and his adjusted tax basis in the shares sold or exchanged, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year at the time of sale. Any loss upon the sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain dividend) by such shareholder with respect to such shares. A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund generally will be disallowed if other substantially identical shares are acquired within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed. In such case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gain of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary income of corporations. For non-corporate taxpayers, short-term capital gain will currently be taxed at the rate applicable to ordinary income, while long-term capital gain generally will be taxed at a maximum rate of 20%. Capital losses are subject to certain limitations.

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 NAVs, and the entire position is not sold at one time. The Fund’s standing tax lot identification method is the method covered shares will be reported on your Consolidated Form 1099 if you do not select a specific tax lot identification method. You may choose a method different than the Fund’s standing method and will be able to do so at the time of your purchase or upon the sale of covered shares. Please refer to the appropriate IRS regulations or consult your tax advisor with regard to your personal circumstances.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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 24%.

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

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.

Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations. Under U.S. Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the Fund’s shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a

 

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regulated investment company are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all regulated investment companies. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

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

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

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

 

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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.

Certain In-Kind Transfers

The Fund may accept in-kind transfers of securities in exchange for Fund shares. Such transactions will be evaluated on a case by case basis by the Fund and the Adviser and there can be no assurance that the Fund will accept any particular in-kind transfer. The tax implications of such a transfer are complex and depend upon various factors including but not limited to whether the securities transferred are adequately diversified and whether the transferring shareholder is deemed to be in “control” of the Fund. Any shareholder or potential shareholder contemplating an in-kind transfer to the Fund should consult his or her own tax advisors.

Summary

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

CUSTODIAN

Huntington National Bank, 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, is custodian of the Fund’s investments. The custodian acts as the Fund’s depository, safekeeps its portfolio securities, collects all income and other payments with respect thereto, disburses funds at the Fund’s request and maintains records in connection with its duties.

FUND SERVICES

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”), 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, acts as the Fund’s transfer agent, fund accountant, and administrator. Ultimus is the parent company of the distributor, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”). Certain officers of the Trust also are officers of Ultimus.

Ultimus maintains the records of each shareholder’s account, answers shareholders’ inquiries concerning their accounts, processes purchases and redemptions of the Fund’s shares, acts as dividend and distribution disbursing agent and performs other transfer agent and shareholder service functions. Ultimus receives a monthly fee from the Fund of $1,000 for up to 100 shareholder accounts, and $1,500 for over 100 shareholder account these transfer agency services.

 

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In addition, Ultimus provides the Fund with fund accounting services, which includes certain monthly reports, record-keeping and other management-related services. For its services as fund accountant, Ultimus receives a monthly fee from the Fund at an annual rate equal to 0.10% of the Fund’s average daily net assets up to $500 million, and 0.005% of the Fund’s average daily net assets over $500 million (subject to a minimum annual fee of $24,000).

Ultimus also provides the Fund with administrative services, including all regulatory reporting and necessary office equipment, personnel and facilities. Ultimus receives a monthly fee from the Fund equal to an annual rate of 0.100% of the Fund’s average daily net assets under $100 million, 0.075% of the Fund’s average daily net assets from $100 million to $250 million, and 0.050% of the Fund’s average daily net assets over $250 million (subject to a minimum annual fee of $24,000). UAS also receives a compliance program services fee of $1,000 per month from the Fund.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The firm of Cohen & Company, Ltd., 1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 800, Cleveland, OH 44115 (“Cohen”), has been selected as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the Fund for the fiscal period ending January 31, 2019. Cohen will perform an annual audit of the Fund’s financial statements and will provide financial, tax and accounting services as requested.

LEGAL COUNSEL

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

DISTRIBUTOR

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, is the exclusive agent for distribution of shares of the Fund. A Trustee and an officer of the Trust are also officers of the Distributor, and each may be deemed to be an affiliate of the Distributor. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultimus.

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.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

You can obtain the Annual Report, when available, without charge by calling Shareholder Services at (800) 789-1087 or upon written request to:

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

P.O. Box 46707

Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707

 

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EXHIBIT A

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURE

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

Delegation of Proxy Voting Authority to Fund Advisers

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

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

Conflict of Interest Transactions

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

 

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Availability of Proxy Voting Policy and Records Available to Fund Shareholders

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

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

 

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EXHIBIT B

 

LOGO

Proxy Voting Policies & Procedures

Adopted February 16, 2018

Belmont Capital Group™ 1875

Century Park East, Suite 1780

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Firm Contact:

Stephen J. Remboski, CFA

Chief Compliance Officer

Firm Website Address:

www.BelmontCapGroup.com

 

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Proxy Voting Policies & Procedures

 

Contents     

1.0

  POLICY STATEMENT      41  

2.0

  GENERAL PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES      42  

2.1

  Routine Matters      42  

2.2

  Board of Directors      43  

2.3

  Statutory Auditor Boards      46  

2.4

  Corporate Transactions and Proxy Fights      46  

2.5

  Changes in Capital Structure      46  

2.6

  Takeover Defenses and Shareholder Rights      48  

2.7

  Auditors      49  

2.8

  Executive and Director Remuneration      49  

2.9

  Social, Political and Environmental Issues      51  

3.0

  ADMINISTRATION OF POLICY      51  

3.1

  Committee Procedures      52  

3.2

  Material Conflicts of Interest      52  

3.3

  Proxy Voting Reporting      53  

 

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1.0 POLICY STATEMEMT

Belmont Capital Group’s (“BCG”) policy and procedures for voting proxies (“Policy”) with respect to securities held in the accounts of clients applies when BCG provides discretionary investment management services and for which BCG has agreed to accept proxy authority to vote client securities. This Policy is reviewed and updated as necessary to address new and evolving proxy voting issues and standards.

BCG accepts proxy authority to vote client securities on a per agreement basis. Generally, BCG does not accept proxy authority to vote client securities. In the general case, clients will receive proxies or other solicitations directly from their custodian or a transfer agent, and in the event that proxies are sent to BCG, we will forward them to the client and ask the party who sent them to mail them directly to the client in the future. These clients may call, write or e-mail BCG to discuss questions they may have about particular proxy votes or other solicitations.

In the case where BCG has agreed to accept proxy authority to vote client securities, in order to comply with Rule 206(4)-6, BCG has:

 

A. Adopted and implemented these written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that BCG votes client securities in the best interest of clients. These procedures include how BCG addresses material conflicts that may arise between BCG’s interests and those of BCG’s clients;

 

B. Disclosed to clients how they may obtain information from BCG about how BCG voted with respect to their securities; and

 

C. Described to clients the BCG Proxy Voting Policies & Procedures, and upon request furnish a copy of the BCG Proxy Voting Policies & Procedures to the requesting client.

BCG has agreed to accept proxy authority to vote client securities for the Belmont Theta Income Fund (the “Fund”). For the Fund, BCG will vote proxies under this Policy pursuant to authority granted under its applicable investment advisory agreement or, in the absence of such authority, as authorized by the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund. Pursuant to Rule 270.30b1-4, Ultimus Fund Solutions shall file an annual report on Form N-PX not later than August 31 of each year, containing the BCG’s proxy voting record for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30. BCG will provide Ultimus Fund Solutions with Records of Votes Cast on Behalf of clients in order to file Form N-PX.

BCG will use its best efforts to vote proxies as part of its authority to manage, acquire and dispose of client assets. BCG will vote proxies in a prudent and diligent manner and in the best interests of clients, including beneficiaries of and participants in a client’s benefit plan(s) for which BCG manage assets, consistent with the objective of maximizing long-term investment returns (“Client Proxy Standard”).

The overarching objective in voting is simple: to support proposals and director nominees that maximize the value of a fund’s investments—and those of fund shareholders—over the long term. Although the goal is simple, the proposals BCG may receive are varied and frequently complex. As such, the Policy adopted by BCG provides a rigorous framework for assessing each proposal. Under the Policy, each proposal must be evaluated on its merits, based on the particular facts and circumstances as presented.

 

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The Policy does not permit BCG to delegate voting responsibility to a third-party that does not serve as a fiduciary. Because many factors bear on each decision, the Policy incorporates factors BCG should consider in each voting decision. BCG may refrain from voting some or all of its shares if doing so would be in the clients’ best interests. These circumstances may arise, for example, if the expected cost of voting exceeds the expected benefits of voting, or if exercising the vote would result in the imposition of trading or other restrictions.

In evaluating proxy proposals, BCG considers information from many sources, which may include the management or shareholders of a company presenting a proposal, and independent proxy research services. We will give substantial weight to the recommendations of the company’s board, absent guidelines or other specific facts that would support a vote against management. In all cases, however, the ultimate decision rests with BCG. BCG may abstain on matters for which disclosure is inadequate.

While serving as a framework, the following Policy cannot contemplate all possible proposals with which BCG may be presented. In the absence of a specific guideline for a particular proposal (e.g., in the case of a transactional issue or contested proxy), BCG will evaluate the issue and cast the vote in a manner that, in BCG’s view, will maximize the value of the client’s investment.

2.0 GENERAL PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

To promote consistency in voting proxies on behalf of our clients, we follow this Policy (subject to any exception set forth herein). The Policy addresses a broad range of issues, and provides general voting parameters on proposals that arise most frequently. However, details of specific proposals vary, and those details affect particular voting decisions, as do factors specific to a given company. Pursuant to the procedures set forth herein, BCG may vote in a manner that is not in accordance with the following general guidelines, provided the vote is consistent with the Client Proxy Standard. BCG may abstain on matters for which disclosure is inadequate.

 

2.1 Routine Matters

BCG generally supports routine management proposals. The following are examples of routine management proposals:

 

    Approval of financial statements and auditor reports if delivered with an unqualified auditor’s opinion.

 

    General updating/corrective amendments to the charter, articles of association or bylaws, unless we believe that such amendments would diminish shareholder rights.

 

    Most proposals related to the conduct of the annual meeting, with the following exceptions. We generally oppose proposals that relate to “the transaction of such other business which may come before the meeting,” and open-ended requests for adjournment. However, where management specifically states the reason for requesting an adjournment and the requested adjournment would facilitate passage of a proposal that would otherwise be supported under this Policy (i.e., an uncontested corporate transaction), the adjournment request will be supported. We do not support proposals that allow companies to call a special meeting with a short (generally two weeks or less) time frame for review.

 

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We generally support shareholder proposals advocating confidential voting procedures and independent tabulation of voting results.

 

2.2 Board of Directors

 

  A. Election of Directors

Votes on board nominees can involve balancing a variety of considerations. In vote decisions, we may take into consideration whether the company has a majority voting policy in place that we believe makes the director vote more meaningful. In the absence of a proxy contest, we generally support the board’s nominees for director except as follows:

 

  i. We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee if we believe a direct conflict exists between the interests of the nominee and the public shareholders, including failure to meet fiduciary standards of care and/or loyalty. We may oppose directors where we conclude that actions of directors are unlawful, unethical or negligent. We consider opposing individual board members or an entire slate if we believe the board is entrenched and/or dealing inadequately with performance problems; if we believe the board is acting with insufficient independence between the board and management; or if we believe the board has not been sufficiently forthcoming with information on key governance or other material matters.

 

  ii. We consider withholding support from or voting against interested directors if the company’s board does not meet market standards for director independence, or if otherwise we believe board independence is insufficient. We refer to prevalent market standards as promulgated by a stock exchange or other authority within a given market (e.g., New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ rules for most U.S. companies, and The Combined Code on Corporate Governance in the United Kingdom). Thus, for an NYSE company with no controlling shareholder, we would expect that at a minimum a majority of directors should be independent as defined by NYSE. Where we view market standards as inadequate, we may withhold votes based on stronger independence standards. Market standards notwithstanding, we generally do not view long board tenure alone as a basis to classify a director as non-independent.

 

    At a company with a shareholder or group that controls the company by virtue of a majority economic interest in the company, we have a reduced expectation for board independence, although we believe the presence of independent directors can be helpful, particularly in staffing the audit committee, and at times we may withhold support from or vote against a nominee on the view the board or its committees are not sufficiently independent. In markets where board independence is not the norm (e.g. Japan), however, we consider factors including whether a board of a controlled company includes independent members who can be expected to look out for interests of minority holders.

 

    We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee if he or she is affiliated with a major shareholder that has representation on a board disproportionate to its economic interest.

 

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  iii. Depending on market standards, we consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who is interested and who is standing for election as a member of the company’s compensation/remuneration, nominating/governance or audit committee.

 

  iv. We consider withholding support from or voting against nominees if the term for which they are nominated is excessive. We consider this issue on a market-specific basis.

 

  v. We consider withholding support from or voting against nominees if in our view there has been insufficient board renewal (turnover), particularly in the context of extended poor company performance.

 

  vi. We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee standing for election if the board has not taken action to implement generally accepted governance practices for which there is a “bright line” test. For example, in the context of the U.S. market, failure to eliminate a dead hand or slow hand poison pill would be seen as a basis for opposing one or more incumbent nominees.

 

  vii. In markets that encourage designated audit committee financial experts, we consider voting against members of an audit committee if no members are designated as such. We also consider voting against the audit committee members if the company has faced financial reporting issues and/or does not put the auditor up for ratification by shareholders.

 

  viii. We believe investors should have the ability to vote on individual nominees, and may abstain or vote against a slate of nominees where we are not given the opportunity to vote on individual nominees.

 

  ix. We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who has failed to attend at least 75% of the nominee’s board and board committee meetings within a given year without a reasonable excuse. We also consider opposing nominees if the company does not meet market standards for disclosure on attendance.

 

  x. We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who appears overcommitted, particularly through service on an excessive number of boards. Market expectations are incorporated into this analysis; for U.S. boards, we generally oppose election of a nominee who serves on more than five public company boards (excluding investment companies), or public company CEOs that serve on more than two outside boards given level of time commitment required in their primary job.

 

  xi. We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee where we believe executive remuneration practices are poor, particularly if the company does not offer shareholders a separate “say-on-pay” advisory vote on pay

 

  B. Discharge of Directors’ Duties

In markets where an annual discharge of directors’ responsibility is a routine agenda item, we generally support such discharge. However, we may vote against discharge or abstain from voting where there are serious findings of fraud or other unethical behavior for which the individual bears responsibility. The annual discharge of responsibility represents shareholder approval of disclosed actions taken by the board during the year and may make future shareholder action against the board difficult to pursue.

 

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  C. Board Independence

We generally support U.S. shareholder proposals requiring that a certain percentage (up to 66  2 3 %) of the company’s board members be independent directors, and promoting all- independent audit, compensation and nominating/governance committees.

 

  D. Board Diversity

We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals urging diversity of board membership with respect to gender, race or other factors.

 

  E. Majority Voting

We generally support proposals requesting or requiring majority voting policies in election of directors, so long as there is a carve-out for plurality voting in the case of contested elections.

 

  F. Proxy Access

We consider proposals on procedures for inclusion of shareholder nominees and to have those nominees included in the company’s proxy statement and on the company’s proxy ballot on a case-by-case basis. Considerations include ownership thresholds, holding periods, the number of directors that shareholders may nominate and any restrictions on forming a group.

 

  G. Reimbursement for Dissident Nominees

We generally support well-crafted U.S. shareholder proposals that would provide for reimbursement of dissident nominees elected to a board, as the cost to shareholders in electing such nominees can be factored into the voting decision on those nominees.

 

  H. Proposals to Elect Directors More Frequently

In the U.S. public company context, we usually support shareholder and management proposals to elect all directors annually (to “declassify” the board), although we make an exception to this policy where we believe that long-term shareholder value may be harmed by this change given particular circumstances at the company at the time of the vote on such proposal. As indicated above, outside the United States we generally support greater accountability to shareholders that comes through more frequent director elections, but recognize that many markets embrace longer term lengths, sometimes for valid reasons given other aspects of the legal context in electing boards.

 

  I. Cumulative Voting

We generally support proposals to eliminate cumulative voting in the U.S. market context. (Cumulative voting provides that shareholders may concentrate their votes for one or a handful of candidates, a system that can enable a minority bloc to place representation on a board.) U.S. proposals to establish cumulative voting in the election of directors generally will not be supported.

 

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  J. Separation of Chairman and CEO Positions

We vote on shareholder proposals to separate the Chairman and CEO positions and/or to appoint an independent Chairman based in part on prevailing practice in particular markets, since the context for such a practice varies. In many non-U.S. markets, we view separation of the roles as a market standard practice, and support division of the roles in that context. In the United States, we consider such proposals on a case-by-case basis, considering, among other things, the existing board leadership structure, company performance, and any evidence of entrenchment or perceived risk that power is overly concentrated in a single individual.

 

  K. Director Retirement Sage and Term Limits

Proposals setting or recommending director retirement ages or director term limits are voted on a case-by-case basis that includes consideration of company performance, the rate of board renewal, evidence of effective individual director evaluation processes, and any indications of entrenchment.

 

  L. Proposals to Limit Directors’ Liability and/or Broaden Indemnification of Officers and Directors

Generally, we will support such proposals provided that an individual is eligible only if he or she has not acted in bad faith, with gross negligence or with reckless disregard of their duties.

 

2.3 Statutory Auditor Boards

The statutory auditor board, which is separate from the main board of directors, plays a role in corporate governance in several markets. These boards are elected by shareholders to provide assurance on compliance with legal and accounting standards and the company’s articles of association. We generally vote for statutory auditor nominees if they meet independence standards. In markets that require disclosure on attendance by internal statutory auditors, however, we consider voting against nominees for these positions who failed to attend at least 75% of meetings in the previous year. We also consider opposing nominees if the company does not meet market standards for disclosure on attendance.

 

2.4 Corporate Transactions and Proxy Fights

We examine proposals relating to mergers, acquisitions and other special corporate transactions (i.e., takeovers, spin-offs, sales of assets, reorganizations, restructurings and recapitalizations) on a case-by-case basis in the interests of each fund or other account. Proposals for mergers or other significant transactions that are friendly and approved by the Research Providers usually are supported if there is no portfolio manager objection. We also analyze proxy contests on a case-by- case basis.

 

2.5 Changes in Capital Structure

 

  A. We generally support the following:

 

    Management and shareholder proposals aimed at eliminating unequal voting rights, assuming fair economic treatment of classes of shares we hold.

 

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    U.S. management proposals to increase the authorization of existing classes of common stock (or securities convertible into common stock) if: (i) a clear business purpose is stated that we can support and the number of shares requested is reasonable in relation to the purpose for which authorization is requested; and/or (ii) the authorization does not exceed 100% of shares currently authorized and at least 30% of the total new authorization will be outstanding. (We consider proposals that do not meet these criteria on a case-by-case basis.)

 

    U.S. management proposals to create a new class of preferred stock or for issuances of preferred stock up to 50% of issued capital, unless we have concerns about use of the authority for anti-takeover purposes.

 

    Proposals in non-U.S. markets that in our view appropriately limit potential dilution of existing shareholders. A major consideration is whether existing shareholders would have preemptive rights for any issuance under a proposal for standing share issuance authority. We generally consider market-specific guidance in making these decisions; for example, in the U.K. market we usually follow Association of British Insurers’ (“ABI”) guidance, although company-specific factors may be considered and for example, may sometimes lead us to voting against share authorization proposals even if they meet ABI guidance.

 

    Management proposals to authorize share repurchase plans, except in some cases in which we believe there are insufficient protections against use of an authorization for anti-takeover purposes.

 

    Management proposals to reduce the number of authorized shares of common or preferred stock, or to eliminate classes of preferred stock.

 

    Management proposals to effect stock splits.

 

    Management proposals to effect reverse stock splits if management proportionately reduces the authorized share amount set forth in the corporate charter. Reverse stock splits that do not adjust proportionately to the authorized share amount generally will be approved if the resulting increase in authorized shares coincides with the proxy guidelines set forth above for common stock increases.

 

    Management dividend payout proposals, except where we perceive company payouts to shareholders as inadequate.

 

  B. We generally oppose the following (notwithstanding management support):

 

    Proposals to add classes of stock that would substantially dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders.

 

    Proposals to increase the authorized or issued number of shares of existing classes of stock that are unreasonably dilutive, particularly if there are no preemptive rights for existing shareholders. However, depending on market practices, we consider voting for proposals giving general authorization for issuance of shares not subject to pre-emptive rights if the authority is limited.

 

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    Proposals that authorize share issuance at a discount to market rates, except where authority for such issuance is de minimis, or if there is a special situation that we believe justifies such authorization (as may be the case, for example, at a company under severe stress and risk of bankruptcy).

 

    Proposals relating to changes in capitalization by 100% or more.

We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals to increase dividend payout ratios, in light of market practice and perceived market weaknesses, as well as individual company payout history and current circumstances. For example, currently we perceive low payouts to shareholders as a concern at some Japanese companies, but may deem a low payout ratio as appropriate for a growth company making good use of its cash, notwithstanding the broader market concern.

 

2.6 Takeover Defenses and Shareholder Rights

 

  A. Shareholder Rights Plans

We generally support proposals to require shareholder approval or ratification of shareholder rights plans (poison pills). In voting on rights plans or similar takeover defenses, we consider on a case-by-case basis whether the company has demonstrated a need for the defense in the context of promoting long-term share value; whether provisions of the defense are in line with generally accepted governance principles in the market (and specifically the presence of an adequate qualified offer provision that would exempt offers meeting certain conditions from the pill); and the specific context if the proposal is made in the midst of a takeover bid or contest for control.

 

  B. Supermajority Voting Requirements

We generally oppose requirements for supermajority votes to amend the charter or bylaws, unless the provisions protect minority shareholders where there is a large shareholder. In line with this view, in the absence of a large shareholder we support reasonable shareholder proposals to limit such supermajority voting requirements. Also, we oppose provisions that do not allow shareholders any right to amend the charter or bylaws.

 

  C. Shareholders Right to Call a Special Meeting

We consider proposals to enhance a shareholder’s rights to call meetings on a case-by-case basis. At large-cap U.S. companies, we generally support efforts to establish the right of holders of 10% or more of shares to call special meetings, unless the board or state law has set a policy or law establishing such rights at a threshold that we believe to be acceptable.

 

  D. Written Consent Rights

In the U.S. context, we examine proposals for shareholder written consent rights on a case- by-case basis.

 

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  E. Reincorporation

We consider management and shareholder proposals to reincorporate to a different jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis. We oppose such proposals if we believe the main purpose is to take advantage of laws or judicial precedents that reduce shareholder rights.

 

  F. Anti-Greenmail Provisions

Proposals relating to the adoption of anti-greenmail provisions will be supported, provided that the proposal: (i) defines greenmail; (ii) prohibits buyback offers to large block holders (holders of at least 1% of the outstanding shares and in certain cases, a greater amount) not made to all shareholders or not approved by disinterested shareholders; and (iii) contains no anti-takeover measures or other provisions restricting the rights of shareholders.

 

  G. Bundled Proposals

We may consider opposing or abstaining on proposals if disparate issues are “bundled” and presented for a single vote.

 

2.7 Auditors

We generally support management proposals for selection or ratification of independent auditors. However, we may consider opposing such proposals with reference to incumbent audit firms if the company has suffered from serious accounting irregularities and we believe rotation of the audit firm is appropriate, or if fees paid to the auditor for non-audit- related services are excessive. Generally, to determine if non-audit fees are excessive, a 50% test will be applied (i.e., non-audit-related fees should be less than 50% of the total fees paid to the auditor). We generally vote against proposals to indemnify auditors.

 

2.8 Executive and Director Remuneration

 

  A. We generally support the following:

 

    Proposals for employee equity compensation plans and other employee ownership plans, provided that our research does not indicate that approval of the plan would be against shareholder interest. Such approval may be against shareholder interest if it authorizes excessive dilution and shareholder cost, particularly in the context of high usage (“run rate”) of equity compensation in the recent past; or if there are objectionable plan design and provisions.

 

    Proposals relating to fees to outside directors, provided the amounts are not excessive relative to other companies in the country or industry, and provided that the structure is appropriate within the market context. While stock-based compensation to outside directors is positive if moderate and appropriately structured, we are wary of significant stock option awards or other performance-based awards for outside directors, as well as provisions that could result in significant forfeiture of value on a director’s decision to resign from a board (such forfeiture can undercut director independence).

 

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    Proposals for employee stock purchase plans that permit discounts, but only for grants that are part of a broad-based employee plan, including all non-executive employees, and only if the discounts are limited to a reasonable market standard or less.

 

    Proposals for the establishment of employee retirement and severance plans, provided that our research does not indicate that approval of the plan would be against shareholder interest.

 

  B. We generally oppose retirement plans and bonuses for non-executive directors and independent statutory auditors.

 

  C. Severance Agreements

We generally vote against shareholder proposals requiring shareholder approval of all severance agreements, but we generally support proposals that require shareholder approval for agreements in excess of three times the annual compensation (salary and bonus) or proposals that require companies to adopt a provision requiring an executive to receive accelerated vesting of equity awards if there is a change of control and the executive is terminated. We generally oppose shareholder proposals that would establish arbitrary caps on pay. We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals that seek to limit Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs), but support such shareholder proposals where we consider SERPs excessive.

 

  D. Pay-for-Performance Models

Shareholder proposals advocating stronger and/or particular pay-for-performance models will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with consideration of the merits of the individual proposal within the context of the particular company and its labor markets, and the company’s current and past practices. While we generally support emphasis on long-term components of senior executive pay and strong linkage of pay to performance, we consider factors including whether a proposal may be overly prescriptive, and the impact of the proposal, if implemented as written, on recruitment and retention.

 

  E. Stock Ownership Guidelines

We generally support proposals advocating reasonable senior executive and director stock ownership guidelines and holding requirements for shares gained in executive equity compensation programs.

 

  F. “Claw-Back” Provisions

We generally support shareholder proposals for reasonable “claw-back” provisions that provide for company recovery of senior executive bonuses to the extent they were based on achieving financial benchmarks that were not actually met in light of subsequent restatements.

 

  G. Re-Price Stock Options

Management proposals effectively to re-price stock options are considered on a case-by- case basis. Considerations include the company’s reasons and justifications for a re-pricing, the company’s competitive position, whether senior executives and outside directors are excluded, potential cost to shareholders, whether the re-pricing or share exchange is on a value-for-value basis, and whether vesting requirements are extended.

 

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  H. Say-on-Pay

We consider proposals relating to an advisory vote on remuneration on a case-by-case basis. Considerations include a review of the relationship between executive remuneration and performance based on operating trends and total shareholder return over multiple performance periods. In addition, we review remuneration structures and potential poor pay practices, including relative magnitude of pay, discretionary bonus awards, tax gross ups, change-in-control features, internal pay equity and peer group construction. As long- term investors, we support remuneration policies that align with long-term shareholder returns.

 

2.9 Social, Political and Environmental Issues

Shareholders in the United States and certain other markets submit proposals encouraging changes in company disclosure and practices related to particular social and environmental matters. We consider how to vote on the proposals on a case-by-case basis to determine likely impacts on shareholder value. We seek to balance concerns on reputational and other risks that lie behind a proposal against costs of implementation, while considering appropriate shareholder and management prerogatives. We may abstain from voting on proposals that do not have a readily determinable financial impact on shareholder value. We support proposals that if implemented would enhance useful disclosure, but we generally vote against proposals requesting reports that we believe are duplicative, related to matters not material to the business, or that would impose unnecessary or excessive costs. We believe that certain social and environmental shareholder proposals may intrude excessively on management prerogatives, which can lead us to oppose them.

 

3.0 ADMINISTRATION OF POLICY

The BCG Compliance Committee (the “Committee”) has overall responsibility for the Policy. The Committee consists of the Managing Partners, and is chaired by the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”). Because proxy voting is an investment responsibility and impacts shareholder value, and because of their knowledge of companies and markets, other members of investment staff may play a key role in proxy voting, although the Committee has final authority over proxy votes.

The CCO is responsible for identifying issues that require Committee deliberation or ratification. The CCO will monitor corporate actions of all public companies for which the Fund has invested in the company’s securities. At least 30 days prior to August 31, the CCO shall review corporate action records to determine whether any proxy votes were cast on behalf of the Fund for which reports were not filed. If an unreported vote is discovered, the CCO shall determine and document the explanation.

The CCO, working with advice the Committee, is responsible for voting on routine items and on matters that can be addressed in line with these Policy guidelines. The CCO has responsibility for voting case-by-case where guidelines and precedent provide adequate guidance.

 

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The Committee will periodically review and have the authority to amend, as necessary, the Policy and establish and direct voting positions consistent with the Client Proxy Standard.

The CCO and members of the Committee may take into account third-parties’ recommendations and research as well as any other relevant information they may request or receive, including portfolio manager and/or analyst comments and research, as applicable.

 

3.1 Committee Procedures

The Committee meets at least quarterly, and reviews and considers changes to the Policy at least annually. Through meetings and/or written communications, the Committee is responsible for monitoring and ratifying “split votes” (i.e., allowing certain shares of the same issuer that are the subject of the same proxy solicitation and held by one or more BCG portfolios to be voted differently than other shares) and/or “override voting” (i.e., voting all BCG portfolio shares in a manner contrary to the Policy). The Committee will review developing issues and approve upcoming votes, as appropriate, for matters as requested by the CCO.

The Committee reserves the right to review voting decisions at any time and to make voting decisions as necessary to ensure the independence and integrity of the votes.

 

3.2 Material Conflicts of Interest

In addition to the procedures discussed above, if the CCO determines that an issue raises a material conflict of interest, the CCO may request a special committee to review, and recommend a course of action with respect to, the conflict(s) in question (“Special Committee”).

A potential material conflict of interest could exist in the following situations, among others:

 

  i. The issuer soliciting the vote is a client of BCG and the vote is on a matter that materially affects the issuer.

 

  ii. BCG has a material pecuniary interest in the matter submitted for a vote (e.g., acting as a financial advisor to a party to a merger or acquisition for which BCG will be paid a success fee if completed).

 

  iii. One of BCG’s employees or one of BCG Funds’ directors also serves on the board of directors or is a nominee for election to the board of directors of a company held by a BCG Fund or affiliate.

If the CCO determines that an issue raises a potential material conflict of interest, depending on the facts and circumstances, the issue will be addressed as follows:

 

  i. If the matter relates to a topic that is discussed in this Policy, the proposal will be voted as per the Policy.

 

  ii. If the matter is not discussed in this Policy or the Policy indicates that the issue is to be decided case-by-case, the proposal will be voted in a manner consistent with a survey of at least three other recommendations, provided that all surveyed recommendations are the same, no Managing Partner objects to that vote, and the vote is consistent with BCG’s Client Proxy Standard.

 

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  iii. If the surveyed recommendations differ, the CCO will refer the matter to a Special Committee to vote on the proposal, as appropriate.

Any Special Committee shall be comprised of the Committee which will engage a leading independent provider of proxy research and voting recommendations. The proposal will be voted in a manner consistent with the recommendation from this independent expert.

 

3.3 Proxy Voting Reporting

The CCO will document in writing all Committee and Special Committee decisions and actions, which documentation will be maintained by the CCO for a period of at least six years. To the extent these decisions relate to a security held by a BCG Fund, the CCO will report the decisions to each applicable Board of Trustees/Directors of those Funds at each Board’s next regularly scheduled Board meeting. The report will contain information concerning decisions made during the most recently ended calendar quarter immediately preceding the Board meeting.

BCG will promptly provide a copy of this Policy to any client requesting it. BCG will also, upon client request, promptly provide a report indicating how each proxy was voted with respect to securities held in that client’s account.

Ultimus Fund Solutions is responsible for filing an annual Form N-PX on behalf of the Belmont Theta Income Fund as required, indicating how all proxies were voted with respect to such Fund’s holdings.

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EXHIBIT C

Governance and Nominating Committee Charter

Valued Advisers Trust

Governance and Nominating Committee Membership

 

1. The Governance and Nominating Committee (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 Trust’s series portfolios and the Trust’s other principal service providers. Persons selected as Independent Trustees must not be “interested person” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, 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.

 

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Other Powers and Responsibilities

 

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

 

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

 

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APPENDIX A TO THE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHARTER

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST

PROCEDURES WITH RESPECT TO NOMINEES TO THE BOARD

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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PART C

FORM N-1A

OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 28. Exhibits .

 

(a)(1)    Certificate of Trust—Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed June 16, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
(a)(2)    Agreement and Declaration of Trust – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
(a)(3)    Amended Schedule A to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust – Filed herewith.
(b)(1)    Bylaws – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
(b)(2)    Amendment, dated September 22, 2009, to Bylaws – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 filed March 16, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(c)    Certificates for shares are not issued. Provisions of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust define the rights of holders of shares of the Trust – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(1)    Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Golub Group, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 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 Registrant’s 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 Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 filed September 25, 2015 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(4)    Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Kovitz Investment Group Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 265 filed September 20, 2017 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(5)    Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Foundry Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 242 filed August 30, 2016 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(6)    Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC, with respect to the SMI Dynamic Allocation Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed February 20, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(7)    Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC, with respect to the Sound Mind Investing Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 filed February 22, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).


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(d)(8)    Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC, with respect to the Sound Mind Investing Balanced Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 filed February 22, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(9)    Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed September 23, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(10)    Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Dana Large Cap Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 filed October 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(11)    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 Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 208 filed April 27, 2015 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(12)    Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Dana Small Cap Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 filed November 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208).
(d)(13)    Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Belmont Capital, LLC dba Belmont Capital Group with respect to the Belmont Theta Income Fund – Filed herewith.
(d)(14)    Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and JVIF, LLC (dba Jewish Values Investment Funds) with respect to the Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund – to be filed.
(e)(1)    Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Unified Financial Securities, LLC, and Kovitz Investment Group Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s 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 Registrant’s 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 Registrant’s 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 Foundry Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective amendment No. 240 filed July 1, 2016 (File No. 811-22208).
(e)(5)    Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Unified Financial Securities, LLC and Golub Group, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 238 filed May 31, 2016 (File No. 811-22208).
(e)(6)    Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Unified Financial Securities, LLC and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 244 filed September 28, 2016 (File No. 811-22208).
(e)(7)    Distribution Fee Agreement between Unified Financial Securities, LLC and Long Short Advisors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 250 filed February 28, 2017 (File No. 811-22208).


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(e)(8)    Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC – Filed herewith.
(f)    Not applicable.
(g)(1)    Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
(g)(2)    Amended Appendix B to the Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank – Filed herewith.
(g)(3)    Amended Appendix D to the Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(g)(4)    Custody Agreement between the Trust and US Bank, N.A. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 245 filed September 28, 2016 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(1)    Master Services Agreement between the Trust and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC – Filed herewith.
(h)(2)    Amended Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Long Short Advisors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 267 filed September 28, 2017 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(3)    Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Kovitz Investment Group Partners, LLC –Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 278 filed February 28, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(4)    Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Foundry Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 277 filed February 28, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(5)    Amended 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 Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 276 filed February 28, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(6)    Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 filed September 28, 2017 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(7)    Amended Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Dana Large Cap Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 276 filed February 28, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(8)    Amended 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 Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 276 filed February 28, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(9)    Amended Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Dana Small Cap Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 276 filed February 28, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).


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(h)(10)    Amended Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Golub Group, LLC with respect to the Golub Group Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 260 filed May 31, 2017 (File No. 811-22208).
(h)(11)    Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Belmont Capital, LLC dba Belmont Capital Group with respect to the Belmont Theta Income Fund – Filed herewith.
(h)(12)    Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and JVIF, LLC (dba Jewish Values Investment Funds) with respect to the Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund – to be filed.
(i)(1)    Opinion and Consent of Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP, Legal Counsel, with respect to Golub Group Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 filed March 10, 2009 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(2)    Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to LS Opportunity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(3)    Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Golub Group Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 260 filed May 31, 2017 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(4)    Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 filed November 10, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(5)    Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the LS Opportunity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 267 filed September 28, 2017 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(6)    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 Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(7)    Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the SMI Dynamic Allocation Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed February 20, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(8)    Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel with respect to the Sound Mind Investing Fund and the Sound Mind Investing Balanced Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(9)    Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 278 filed February 28, 2018 (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 BFS Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed September 23, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).


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(i)(11)    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 Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 filed October 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(12)    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 Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 276 filed February 28, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(13)    Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 277 filed February 28, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(14)    Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Sound Mind Funds – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 273 filed January 19, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(15)    Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the BFS Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 filed September 28, 2017 (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 SMI Bond Fund and the SMI 50/40/10 Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 208 filed April 27, 2015 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(17)    Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Dana Small Cap Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 filed November 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208).
(i)(18)    Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Belmont Theta Income Fund – Filed herewith.
(i)(19)    Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund – to be filed.
(j)(1)    Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to Golub Group Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 260 filed May 31, 2017 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(2)    Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to LS Opportunity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 267 filed September 28, 2017 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(3)    Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 278 filed February 28, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(4)    Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 277 filed February 28, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).


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(j)(5)    Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Sound Mind Funds – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 273 filed January 19, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(6)    Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the BFS Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 filed September 28, 2017 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(7)    Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Dana Large Cap Equity Fund and the Dana Small Cap Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 276 filed February 28, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
(j)(8)    Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Belmont Theta Income Fund – Filed herewith.
(j)(9)    Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund – to be filed.
(k)    Not applicable.
(l)    Initial Capital Agreement – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
(m)(1)    Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Golub Group Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 filed March 10, 2009 (File No. 811-22208).
(m)(2)    Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund (formerly known as the Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund) – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(m)(3)    Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for BFS Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed September 23, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(m)(4)    Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Dana Large Cap Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 filed October 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(m)(5)    Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Dana Small Cap Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 filed November 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208).
(n)(1)    Rule 18f-3 Plan for Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 242 filed August 30, 2016 (File No. 811-22208).
(n)(2)    Rule 18f-3 Plan for Dana Large Cap Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 filed October 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(n)(3)    Rule 18f-3 Plan for Dana Small Cap Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s 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 Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).


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(p)(2)    Code of Ethics for Golub Group, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 filed March 10, 2009 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(3)    Code of Ethics for Long Short Advisors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(4)    Code of Ethics for Unified Financial Securities, LLC and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 250 filed February 28, 2017 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(5)    Code of Ethics for Kovitz Investment Group Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 filed November 10, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(6)    Code of Ethics for Foundry Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 240 filed July 1, 2016 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(7)    Code of Ethics for SMI Advisory Services, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed February 20, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(8)    Code of Ethics for Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed September 23, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(9)    Code of Ethics for Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 filed October 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(10)    Code of Ethics for Prospector Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 filed September 25, 2015 (File No. 811-22208).
(p)(11)    Code of Ethics for Belmont Capital, LLC dba Belmont Capital Group – Filed herewith.
(p)(12)    Code of Ethics for JVIF, LLC (dba Jewish Values Investment Funds) – to be filed.
(q)    Powers of Attorney – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 filed June 18, 2010 (File No. 811-22208); Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 filed February 3, 2014 (File No. 811-22208); and Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 260 filed May 31, 2017 (File No. 811-22208).

 

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

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

 

ITEM 30. Indemnification .

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

A person who is or was a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant, or is or was serving at the request of the Trustees as a director, trustee, partner, officer, employee or agent of a corporation, trust, partnership, joint venture or other enterprise shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, as such may be amended from time to time, the Registrant’s Bylaws and other applicable law. In case any shareholder or former shareholder of the Registrant shall be held to be personally liable solely by reason of his being or having been a shareholder of the Registrant or any series or class of


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the Registrant and not because of his acts or omissions or for some other reason, the shareholder or former shareholder (or his heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives, or, in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or general successor) shall be entitled, out of the assets belonging to the applicable series (or allocable to the applicable class), to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability in accordance with the Registrant’s Bylaws and applicable law.

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

 

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

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

 

ITEM 32. Principal Underwriters .

 

  (1) Unified Financial Securities, LLC

 

  (a) Unified Financial Securities, LLC also serves as a principal underwriter for the following investment companies: Yorktown Funds, Bruce Fund, Inc., H C Capital 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

Kurt B. Krebs*    President    None
Karyn E. Cunningham**    Assistant Vice President and Financial Operations Principal    None
Stephen L. Preston*    Chief Compliance Officer and AML Officer    AML Officer
Steven F. Nienhaus    Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer    None

 

* The principal business address of this individual is 225 Pictoria Dr., Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246
** The principal business address of this individual is 9465 Counselors Row, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46240


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  (c) Not Applicable.

 

  (2) Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC

 

  (a) Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC also serves as a principal underwriter for the following investment companies: AlphaMark Investment Trust, CM Advisors Family of Funds, Caldwell Orkin Funds, Inc., Centaur Mutual Funds Trust, Chesapeake Investment Trust, Conestoga Funds, Unified Series Trust, Eubel Brady & Suttman Mutual Fund Trust, First Western Funds Trust, Hedeker Strategic Appreciation Fund, Hussman Investment Trust, Oak Associates Funds, Papp Investment Trust, Peachtree Alternative Strategies Fund, Piedmont Investment Trust, FSI Low Beta Absolute Return Fund, Schwartz Investment Trust, TFS Capital Investment Trust, The Cutler Trust, The Investment House Funds, WST Investment Trust, Williamsburg Investment Trust, Wilshire Mutual Funds, Inc., Wilshire Variable Insurance Trust, Ultimus Managers Trust

 

  (b) The directors and officers of Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC are as follows:

 

Name*

  

Title

  

Position with Trust

Robert G. Dorsey    President    None
Mark J. Seger    Treasurer/Secretary    Trustee
Kurt B. Krebs    Financial Operations Principal    None
Stephen L. Preston*    Chief Compliance Officer    AML Officer

 

* The principal business address of these individuals 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, 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).


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  (b) US Bank, N.A., 1555 N. Rivercenter Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212 (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 Fund Solutions, 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) 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).

 

  (i) 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).

 

  (j) SMI Advisory Services, LLC, 411 6 th Street, Columbus, Indiana 47201 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Sound Mind Funds).

 

  (k) 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).

 

  (l) Dana Investment Advisors, Inc., 20700 Swenson Drive, Suite 400, Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Dana Funds).

 

  (m) Prospector Partners, LLC, 370 Church Street, Guilford, Connecticut 06437 (records relating to its function as subadviser to the LS Opportunity Fund).

 

  (n) Belmont Capital, LLC d/b/a Belmont Capital Group, 1875 Century Park E., Suite 1780, Los Angeles, California 90067 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Belmont Theta Income Fund).

 

  (o) Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, 225 Pictoria Dr., Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 (records relating to its function as distributor to the Trust).

 

ITEM 34. Management Services .

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 35. Undertakings .

Not Applicable.

 


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”) and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Indianapolis, and State of Indiana on this 16th day of April, 2018.

 

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
By:  

*

  Bo J. Howell, 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.

 

*

   April 16, 2018
Andrea N. Mullins, Trustee    Date

*

   April 16, 2018
Ira Cohen, Trustee    Date

*

   April 16, 2018
Mark J. Seger, Trustee    Date

*

   April 16, 2018
Bryan W. Ashmus, Treasurer and Principal    Date
Financial Officer   
* By: /s/ Carol J. Highsmith                                        April 16, 2018
Carol J. Highsmith, Vice President, Attorney in Fact    Date

 


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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

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

INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940)

 

 

 

EXHIBIT NO.
UNDER PART C

OF FORM N-1A

  

NAME OF EXHIBIT

(a)(3)

   Amended Schedule A to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust

(d)(13)

   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Belmont Capital, LLC dba Belmont Capital Group

(e)(8)

   Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC

(g)(2)

   Amended Appendix B to the Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank

(h)(1)

   Master Services Agreement between the Trust and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

(h)(11)

   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Belmont Capital, LLC dba Belmont Capital Group

(i)(18)

   Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc.

(j)(8)

   Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd.

(p)(11)

   Code of Ethics of Belmont Capital, LLC dba Belmont Capital Group

SCHEDULE A

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST

PORTFOLIOS AND CLASSES THEREOF

As amended on December 18, 2017

PORTFOLIO/CLASSES

Golub Group Equity Fund

LS Opportunity Fund

Green Owl Intrinsic Value 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

SMI Bond Fund

SMI 50/40/10 Fund

Dana Small Cap Equity Fund

Belmont Theta Income Fund

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST

INVESTMENT ADVISORY

AGREEMENT

 


INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) made as of this 15th day of March, 2018 by and between Valued Advisers Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and Belmont Capital Group, LLC dba Belmont Capital Group, (the “Adviser”), a California limited liability company with its principal place of business in Los Angeles, California.

WITNESSETH

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

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

 

1. THE ADVISER’S SERVICES .

 

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

 

  (b)

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

 

   2    Investment Advisory Agreement


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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  (f)

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

 

   3    Investment Advisory Agreement


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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  (b)

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

 

   4    Investment Advisory Agreement


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

 

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

 

4. BROKERAGE .

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

   5    Investment Advisory Agreement


7. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS .

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

   6    Investment Advisory Agreement


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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

   7    Investment Advisory Agreement


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

 

12. DURATION AND TERMINATION .

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

13. NOTICE . Any notice or other communication required by or permitted to be given in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing, and shall be delivered in person or sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the respective parties at their last known address, or by e-mail or fax to a designated contact of the other party. Oral instructions may be given if authorized by the Board and preceded by a certificate from the Trust’s Secretary so attesting. Notices to the Trust shall be directed to Ultimus Fund Services, LLC, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH, 46240, Attention: Mr. Bo J. Howell; and notices to the Adviser shall be directed to Belmont Capital Group, 1875 Century Park East, Suite 1780, Los Angeles, CA, 90067, Attention: Mr. Daniel Beckwith.

 

   8    Investment Advisory Agreement


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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

   9    Investment Advisory Agreement


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

 

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

 

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

Signature Page to Follow

 

   10    Investment Advisory Agreement


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

 

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
/s/ Carol J. Highsmith

Signature

By: Carol J. Highsmith
Title: Vice President and Secretary
BELMONT CAPITAL, LLC dba BELMONT CAPITAL GROUP
/s/ Daniel Beckwith

Signature

By: Daniel Beckwith
Title: Managing Partner

 

   11    Investment Advisory Agreement


Schedule A

Investment Advisory Agreement

between

Valued Advisers Trust (the “Trust”)

and

Belmont Capital, LLC dba Belmont Capital Group (the “Adviser”)

Dated as of March 15, 2018

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

 

Fund

   Rate  

Belmont Theta Income Fund

     1.75

 

   A-1    Investment Advisory Agreement

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

This Agreement, dated March 15, 2018 is between Valued Advisers Trust (the “ Trust ”), a Delaware business trust, and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (“ Distributor ”), a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Ohio.

Background

The Trust is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “ 1940 Act ”), and it desires that Distributor act as the Trust’s principal underwriter and distribute shares of beneficial interest (the “ Shares ”) of each of its series listed on Schedule A (individually referred to herein as a “ Fund ” and collectively as the “ Funds ”). Distributor is willing to perform such services on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

Terms and Conditions

 

1. Applicable Law

For the duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, each party is currently abiding and will continue to abide; by all applicable federal and state laws, including without limitation federal and state securities laws; regulations, rules, and interpretations of the SEC and its authorized regulatory agencies and organizations, including FINRA; and all other self-regulatory organizations governing the transactions contemplated under this Agreement (collectively, “ Applicable Law ”).

 

2. Appointment of Distributor

 

  2.1. The Trust retains Distributor to act as the exclusive agent for the distribution of the Shares on behalf of each Fund and to perform the distribution services as set forth below (collectively, the “ Services ”). Distributor accepts such employment to perform the Services. While this Agreement is in force, the Trust shall not sell any Shares except on the terms set forth in this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the Trust may terminate, suspend, or withdraw the offering of Shares whenever, in its sole discretion, it deems such action to be desirable.

 

  2.2. Distributor does not agree to sell any specific number of Shares. Distributor, as agent for the Trust, undertakes to sell Shares on a best efforts basis only against orders therefor.

 

  2.3. The Trust reserves the right to issue any Shares at any time directly to existing holders of Shares (“ Shareholders ”) or to other persons at not less than the public offering price (as defined below) and to issue Shares in exchange for substantially all the assets of any corporation or trust or for the shares of any corporation or trust.

 

3. Distribution Services

 

  3.1. Distributor will have the right, as agent for the Trust, to enter into dealer agreements with responsible investment dealers, and to sell Shares to such investment dealers against orders therefor at the public offering price (as defined below) stated in the Trust’s effective Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act of 1933, each as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), including the then-current prospectus and statement of additional information (the “ Registration Statement ”). Upon receipt of an order to purchase Shares from a dealer with whom Distributor has a dealer agreement, Distributor will promptly cause such order to be filled by the Trust.


  3.2. Distributor will also have the right, as agent for the Trust, to sell such Shares to the public against orders therefor at the public offering price (as defined below).

 

  3.3. Distributor will also have the right to take, as agent for the Trust, all actions which, in Distributor’s reasonable judgment, are necessary to carry into effect the distribution of the Shares.

 

  3.4. The “ public offering price ” for the Shares of each Fund shall be the respective net asset value (“ NAV ”) of the Shares of that Fund then in effect, plus any applicable sales charge determined in the manner set forth in the Registration Statement or as permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) or other applicable regulatory agency or self-regulatory organization under the oversight of the SEC. In no event shall any applicable sales charge exceed the maximum sales charge permitted by the Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“ FINRA ”).

 

  3.5. The NAV of the Shares of each Fund shall be determined in the manner provided in the Registration Statement, and when determined shall be applicable to transactions as provided for in the Registration Statement. The NAV of the Shares of each Fund shall be calculated by the Trust or by another entity on behalf of the Trust. Distributor shall have no duty to inquire into or liability for the accuracy of the NAV per Share as calculated.

 

  3.6. On every sale, the Trust shall receive the applicable NAV of the Shares promptly, but in no event later than the third business day following the date on which Distributor shall have received an order for the purchase of the Shares.

 

  3.7. Upon receipt of purchase instructions, Distributor will transmit such instructions to the Trust or its transfer agent for the issuance and registration of the Shares purchased.

 

  3.8. Distributor, as agent of and for the account of the Trust, may repurchase the Shares at such prices and upon such terms and conditions as shall be specified in the Registration Statement.

 

  3.9. Distributor shall maintain membership with the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“ NSCC ”) and any other similar successor organization to sponsor a participant number for the Funds so as to enable the Shares to be traded through FundSERV. The Distributor shall not be responsible for any operational matters associated with FundSERV or networking transactions.

 

  3.10. Distributor will review all proposed advertising materials and sales literature for compliance with Applicable Law and shall file such materials with appropriate regulators as required by current laws and regulations. Distributor agrees to furnish the Trust with any comments provided by regulators with respect to such materials.

 

  3.11. Distributor shall prepare or cause to be prepared reports for the Board of Trustees (the “ Board ”) of the Trust regarding its activities under this Agreement as reasonably requested by the Trust’s Board, including reports regarding the use of assets accrued pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan adopted by the Trust, if any.

 

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March 15, 2018

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4. Allocation of Charges and Expenses

 

  4.1. Distributor shall furnish at its own expense the executive, supervisory, and clerical personnel necessary to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

  4.2. In the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, Distributor will pay only the costs incurred in qualifying as a broker or dealer under state and federal laws and in establishing and maintaining its relationships with the dealers selling the Shares. All other costs in connection with the offering of the Shares will be paid by the Trust, a Fund, or the Advisor in accordance with agreements between them as permitted by Applicable Law. These costs include, but are not limited to, distribution fees, shareholder servicing fees, set-up costs, or other fees or compensation paid to the dealers or others selling or servicing the Shares, licensing fees, filing fees (including to FINRA), travel expenses, and such other expenses as may be incurred by Distributor on behalf of the Trust or a Fund.

 

5. Compensation

 

  5.1. The Trust, a Fund, or its investment advisor(s) in accordance with agreements between them as permitted by Applicable Law shall pay for the Services to be provided by Distributor under this Agreement in accordance with, and in the manner set forth in, the fee letter attached to this Agreement (“ Fee Letter ”), which may be amended from time to time. The Fee Letter is incorporated by reference into this Agreement.

 

  5.2. If this Agreement becomes effective subsequent to the first day of a month or terminates before the last day of a month, Distributor’s compensation for that part of the month in which the Agreement is in effect shall be prorated in a manner consistent with the calculation of the fees as set forth in the Fee Letter. The Trust, a Fund, or the Advisor shall promptly pay Distributor’s compensation for the preceding month.

 

  5.3. In the event that the SEC, FINRA, or any other regulator or self-regulatory authority adopts regulations and requirements relating to the payment of fees to underwriters or which would result in any material increases in costs to provide the Services under this Agreement, the parties agree to negotiate in good faith amendments to this Agreement in order to comply with such requirements and provide for additional compensation for Distributor as mutually agreed to by the parties.

 

  5.4. In the event that any fees are disputed, the Trust, a Fund, or the Advisor shall, on or before the due date, pay all undisputed amounts due hereunder and notify Distributor in writing of any disputed fees which it is disputing in good faith. Payment for such disputed fees shall be due on or before the tenth (10 th ) business day after the day on which Distributor provides to the Trust documentation which reasonably supports the disputed charges.

 

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6. Maintenance of Books and Records; Record Retention

 

  6.1. Distributor shall maintain and keep current the accounts, books, records and other documents relating to the Services as may be required by Applicable Law.

 

  6.2. Ownership of Records

 

  A. Distributor agrees that all such books, records, and other data (except computer programs and procedures) developed to perform the Services (collectively, “ Client Records ”) shall be the property of the Trust or Fund.

 

  B. Distributor agrees to provide the Client Records of the Trust or a Fund upon reasonable request, and to make such books and records available for inspection by the Trust, a Fund, or its regulators at reasonable times.

 

  C. Distributor agrees to furnish to the Trust or a Fund, at the expense of the Trust or Fund, all Client Records in the electronic or other medium in which such material is then maintained by Distributor as soon as practicable after any termination of this Agreement. Unless otherwise required by Applicable Law, Distributor shall promptly turn over to the Trust or Fund, or, upon the written request of the Trust or Fund, destroy the Client Records maintained by Distributor pursuant to this Agreement. If Distributor is required by Applicable Law to maintain any Client Records, it will provide the Trust or Fund with copies as soon as reasonably practical after the termination.

 

  6.3. Distributor agrees to keep confidential all Client Records, except when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities or court process.

 

  6.4. If Distributor is requested or required to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities or court process, Distributor shall, unless prohibited by law, promptly notify the Trust or Fund of such request(s) so that the Trust or Fund may seek an appropriate protective order.

 

7. Effective Date

This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above with respect to each Fund in existence on such date (or, if a particular Fund is not in existence on that date, on the date such Fund commences operation) (the “ Agreement Effective Date ”).

 

8. Subcontracting

Distributor may, at its expense, subcontract with any entity or person concerning the provision of the Services; provided, however, that Distributor shall not be relieved of any of its obligations under this Agreement by the appointment of such subcontractor, that Distributor shall be responsible, to the extent provided in Section 11, for all acts of a subcontractor.

 

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9. Term; Amendments; Successor Investment Company

 

  9.1. Initial Term. This Agreement shall continue in effect, unless earlier terminated by either party as provided under this Section 9, for a period of 2 years from the date first written above (the “ Initial Term ”).

 

  9.2. Renewal Terms. Immediately following the Initial Term this Agreement shall renew for successive 1-year periods (a “ Renewal Term ”) subject to annual approval of such continuance by the Board of the Trust, including the approval of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Trust or of Distributor by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

 

  9.3. Termination. A party may terminate this Agreement under the following circumstances.

 

  A. Assignment. This Agreement shall automatically terminate, without the payment of any penalty, in the event of its assignment, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, by Distributor.

 

  B. Termination. Either the Trust or Distributor may at any time terminate this Agreement with respect to any Fund on sixty (60) days’ written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the other party.

 

  C. Final Payment . Any unpaid compensation or reimbursement of expenses is due to Distributor within 15 calendar days of the termination date provided in the notice of termination.

 

  D. Transition. Upon termination of this Agreement, Distributor will cooperate with any reasonable request of the Trust to effect a prompt transition to a new underwriter selected by the Trust. Distributor shall be entitled to collect from the Trust, a Fund and/or the Advisor, in addition to the compensation described in the applicable Fee Letter, the amount of all of Distributor’s cash disbursements reasonably made for services in connection with Distributor’s activities in effecting such termination, including without limitation, the delivery to the Trust or its designees the Trust’s property, records, instruments, and documents.

 

  9.4. Amendments. This Agreement may be amended only if such amendment is approved (i) by Distributor and (ii) by the Board of the Trust, including the approval of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Trust or of Distributor by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

 

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10. Additional Funds or Classes of Shares

In the event that the Trust establishes one or more series or classes of shares after the Agreement Effective Date, each such series or class of shares shall become a Fund or class of shares of a Fund (if applicable), under this Agreement and shall be added to Schedule A, subject to approval by the Board of the Trust, including the approval of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

 

11. Standard of Care; Limits of Liability; Indemnification

 

  11.1. Standard of Care. Each party’s duties are limited to those expressly set forth in this Agreement and the parties do not assume any implied duties. Each party shall use its best efforts in the performance of its duties and act in good faith in performing the Services or its obligations under this Agreement. Each party shall be liable for any damages, losses or costs arising directly or indirectly out of such party’s failure to perform its duties under this Agreement to the extent such damages, losses or costs arise directly or indirectly out of its willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder.

 

  11.2. Limits of Liability

 

  A. Distributor shall not be liable for any Losses (as defined below) arising from the following:

 

  (1) performing Services or duties pursuant to any instruction, notice, or other instrument that Distributor reasonably believes to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by a duly authorized representative of the Trust or any Fund;

 

  (2) operating under its own initiative, in good faith and in accordance with the standard of care set forth herein, in performing its duties or the Services;

 

  (3) any default, damages, costs, loss of data or documents, errors, delay, or other loss whatsoever caused by events beyond Distributor’s reasonable control; and

 

  (4) any error, action or omission by the Trust or other past underwriter.

 

  B. Distributor may apply to the Trust at any time for instructions and may consult with counsel for the Trust or a Fund, counsel for the Trust’s independent Trustees, and with accountants and other experts with respect to any matter arising in connection with Distributor’s duties or the Services. Distributor shall not be liable or accountable for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith in accordance with such instruction or with the reasonable opinion of such counsel, accountants, or other experts qualified to render such opinion.

 

  C.

A copy of the Trust’s Declaration of Trust is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and notice is hereby given that this instrument is executed on behalf of the Trust and not the Trustees individually and that the obligations of this instrument are not

 

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March 15, 2018

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  binding upon any of the Trustees, officers, or Shareholders individually, and that such obligations are binding only upon the assets and property of the Trust (or if the matter relates only to a particular Fund, then that particular Fund), and Distributor shall look only to the assets of the Trust (or the particular Fund), for the satisfaction of such obligations.

 

  D. Distributor shall not be held to have notice of any change of authority of any officer, agent, representative, or employee of the Trust, the Advisor, or any of the Trust’s other service providers, until receipt of written notice from the Trust.

 

  E. The Board has and retains primary responsibility for oversight of all compliance matters relating to the Funds, including but not limited to compliance with the 1940 Act and the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001. Distributor’s monitoring and other functions hereunder shall not relieve the Board of its primary day-to-day responsibility for overseeing such compliance.

 

  F. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Trust agrees to limit Distributor’s liability for the Trust’s Losses (as defined below) to an amount that shall not exceed the total compensation received by Distributor under this Agreement during the most recent rolling 12-month period or, if the Agreement is in effect for less than a year at the time of liability, then the most recent one-month period annualized. This limitation shall apply regardless of the cause of action or legal theory asserted.

 

  G. In no event shall Distributor be liable for trading losses, lost revenues, special, incidental, punitive, indirect, consequential or exemplary damages or lost profits, whether or not such damages were foreseeable or Distributor was advised of the possibility thereof. The parties acknowledge that the other parts of this agreement are premised upon the limitation stated in this section.

 

  11.3. Indemnification

 

  A. Each party (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) agrees to indemnify, defend, and protect the other party, including its trustees or directors, officers, employees, and other agents (collectively, the “ Indemnitees ”), and shall hold the Indemnitees harmless from and against any actions, suits, claims, losses, damages, liabilities, and reasonable costs, charges, expenses (including attorney fees and investigation expenses) (collectively, “ Losses ”) arising directly or indirectly out of (1) the Indemnifying Party’s failure to exercise the standard of care set forth above unless such Losses were caused in part by the Indemnitees own willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence; (2) any violation of Applicable Law by the Indemnifying Party or its affiliated persons or agents relating to this Agreement and the activities thereunder; and (3) any material breach by the Indemnifying Party or its affiliated persons or agents of this Agreement.

 

  B. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the Trust, a Fund, or the Advisor shall indemnify Distributor for Distributor’s Losses arising from circumstances under Section 11.2.A.

 

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  C. Upon the assertion of a claim for which either party may be required to indemnify the other, the party seeking indemnification shall promptly notify the other party of such assertion, and shall keep the other party advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The party who may be required to indemnify shall have the option to participate with the party seeking indemnification in the defense of such claim or to defend against said claim in its own name or in the name of the other party. The party seeking indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the other party may be required to indemnify it except with the other party’s prior written consent.

 

  11.4. Dealer Agreement Indemnification

 

  A. Distributor acknowledges and agrees that certain dealers require that Distributor enter into dealer agreements (the “ Non-Standard Dealer Agreements ”) that contain certain representations, undertakings, and indemnification that are not included in the Distributor’s standard dealer agreement (the “ Standard Dealer Agreement ”).

 

  B. To the extent that Distributor is requested or required by the Trust to enter into any Non-Standard Dealer Agreement, the Trust shall indemnify, defend and hold the Distributor Indemnitees free and harmless from and against any and all Losses that any Distributor Indemnitee may incur arising out of or relating to (a) the Distributor’s actions or failures to act pursuant to any Non-Standard Dealer Agreement; (b) any representations made by the Distributor in any Non-Standard Dealer Agreement to the extent that the Distributor is not required to make such representations in the Standard Dealer Agreement; or (c) any indemnification provided by the Distributor under a Non-Standard Dealer Agreement to the extent that such indemnification is beyond the indemnification the Distributor provides to intermediaries in the Standard Dealer Agreement. In no event shall anything contained herein be so construed as to protect the Distributor Indemnitees against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which the Distributor Indemnitees would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of Distributor’s obligations or duties under the Non-Standard Dealer Agreement or by reason of Distributor’s reckless disregard of its obligations or duties under the Non-Standard Dealer Agreement.

 

  11.5. The provisions of this Section 11 shall survive termination of this Agreement.

 

12. Force Majeure

Neither party will be liable for Losses, loss of data, delay of Services, or any other issues caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, delays by third party vendors and/or communications carriers, acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, or (unless such failures are within such party’s reasonable control) failure of the mails, transportation, communication, or power supply.

 

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13. Representations and Warranties

 

  13.1. Joint Representations. Each party represents and warrants, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that:

 

  A. It is a corporation, partnership, trust, or other entity duly organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organized.

 

  B. To the extent required by Applicable Law, it is duly registered with all appropriate regulatory agencies or self-regulatory organizations and such registration will remain in full force and effect for the duration of this Agreement.

 

  C. It has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of the transactions, duties, and responsibilities contemplated by the Agreement.

 

  D. This Agreement constitutes a legal obligation of the party, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties.

 

  E. Whenever, in the course of performing its duties under this Agreement, it determines that a violation of Applicable Law has occurred, or that, to its knowledge, a possible violation of Applicable Law may have occurred, or with the passage of time could occur, it shall promptly notify the other party of such violation.

 

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

 

  A. (1) as of the close of business on the Agreement Effective Date, each Fund that is then in existence has authorized unlimited shares, (2) no Shares of the Trust will be offered to the public until the Trust’s Registration Statement under the Securities Act and the 1940 Act has been declared or becomes effective, and (3) the Shares are validly authorized and, when issued in accordance with the description in the Registration Statement, will be fully paid and nonassessable.

 

  B. It shall cause the Advisor, prime broker, custodian, legal counsel, independent accountants, and other service providers and agents, past or present, for each Fund to cooperate with Distributor and to provide it with such information, documents, and advice relating to the Fund as appropriate or requested by Distributor, in order to enable Distributor to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement.

 

  C. To the knowledge of the Trust and the Fund, the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “ Declaration of Trust ”), Bylaws, Registration Statement and any advertising materials and sales literature prepared by the Trust or its agent are true and accurate and will remain true and accurate at all times during the term of this Agreement in conformance with Applicable Law.

 

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  D. Any officer of the Trust shall be considered an individual who is authorized to provide Distributor with instructions and requests on behalf of the Trust (an “ Authorized Person ”) (unless such authority is limited in a writing from the Trust and received by Distributor) and has the authority to appoint additional Authorized Persons, to limit or revoke the authority of any previously designated Authorized Person, and to certify to Distributor the names of the Authorized Persons from time to time.

 

  E. The Trust owns, possesses, licenses or has other rights to use all patents, patent applications, trademarks and service marks, trademark and service mark registrations, trade names, copyrights, licenses, inventions, trade secrets, technology, know-how and other intellectual property (collectively, “ Intellectual Property ”) necessary for or used in the conduct of the Trust’s business and for the offer, issuance, distributions and sale of the Shares in accordance with the terms of the Registration Statement and this Agreement, and such Intellectual Property does not and will not breach or infringe the terms of any Intellectual Property owned, held or licensed by any third party.

 

  F. The Trust shall not file any amendment to the Registration Statement that amends any provision therein which pertains to Distributor, the distribution of the Shares or the applicable sales loads or public offering price without giving Distributor reasonable advance notice thereof; provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Trust’s right to file at any time such amendments to the Registration Statement, of whatever character, as the Trust may deem advisable, such right being in all respects absolute and unconditional.

 

  13.3. Representation of the Distributor. The Distributor represents and warrants, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that the various procedures and systems which Distributor has implemented with regard to safeguarding from loss or damage attributable to fire, theft, or any other cause the records and other data of the Trust and Distributor’s records, data, equipment facilities, and other property used in the performance of its obligations hereunder, are adequate and that Distributor will make such changes therein as are required for the secure performance of its obligations hereunder.

 

14. Insurance

 

  14.1. Maintenance of Insurance Coverage. Each party agrees to maintain throughout the term of this Agreement professional liability insurance coverage of the type and amount reasonably customary in its industry. Upon request, a party shall furnish the other party with pertinent information concerning the professional liability insurance coverage that it maintains. Such information shall include the identity of the insurance carrier(s), coverage levels, and deductible amounts.

 

  14.2. Notice of Claims. As it relates to the Services provided under this Agreement, each party shall notify the other party of any material claims against the notifying party under such insurance, whether or not the party is covered by insurance, and, if requested by the non-notifying party, the notifying party shall aggregate and disclose all outstanding claims against the notifying party.

 

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  14.3. Notice of Termination. A party shall promptly notify the other party should any of the notifying party’s insurance coverage be canceled or reduced. Such notification shall include the date of change and the reasons therefore.

 

15. Information Provided By The Trust

 

  15.1. Prior to the Agreement Effective Date. Prior to the Agreement Effective Date, the Trust will furnish to Distributor the following:

 

  A. copies of the Declaration of Trust and of any amendments thereto, certified by the proper official of the state in which such document has been filed;

 

  B. the Trust’s Bylaws and any amendments thereto;

 

  C. certified copies of resolutions of the Board covering the approval of this Agreement, authorization of a specified officer of the Trust to execute and deliver this Agreement and authorization for specified officers of the Trust to instruct Distributor thereunder;

 

  D. a list of all the officers of the Trust, together with specimen signatures of those officers who are authorized to instruct Distributor in all matters;

 

  E. the Funds’ most recent audited financial statements;

 

  F. the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A and all amendments thereto filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act and the 1940 Act;

 

  G. copies of the current plan of distribution adopted by the Trust under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for each Fund, if applicable;

 

  H. contact information for each Fund’s service providers, including but not limited to, the Fund’s administrator, custodian, transfer agent, independent accountants, legal counsel and chief compliance officer;

 

  I. a copy of procedures adopted by the Trust in accordance with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act; and

 

  J. any material correspondence or other communication by the SEC, FINRA, any government or self-regulatory organization or its staff relating to the Funds, including any related to examinations of the Trust or the Funds, requests by the SEC for amendments to the Registration Statement or any advertising or sales literature.

 

  15.2. After the Agreement Effective Date. After the Agreement Effective Date, the Trust will furnish to Distributor any amendments to the items listed in Section 15.1 and promptly provide notice of the following:

 

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  A. any material correspondence or other communication by the Securities Exchange Commissions (the “ SEC ”), FINRA, any government or self-regulatory organization or its staff relating to the Funds, including any related to examinations of the Trust and any requests by the SEC for amendments to the Registration Statement or any advertising or sales literature;

 

  B. the happening of any event which makes untrue any statement of material fact made in the Registration Statement or which requires the making of a change in such Registration Statement in order to make the statements therein not misleading;

 

  C. if the Trust determines to suspend the sale of Shares at any time in response to conditions in the securities markets or otherwise or to suspend the redemption of Shares of any Fund at any time as permitted by Applicable Law, and

 

  D. the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against the Trust or any of its officers or directors in connections with the issue and sales of any of the Shares.

 

  15.3. Filings. The Trust shall forward a copy of any SEC filings, including Registration Statements, to Distributor within one business day of such filings.

 

  15.4. Advertising. The Trust represents that it will not use or authorize the use of any advertising or sales material unless and until such materials have been approved and authorized for use by the Distributor.

 

16. Compliance with Law and Rules of FINRA

 

  16.1. The Trust assumes full responsibility for the preparation and contents of each prospectus of a Fund.

 

  16.2. Distributor will require each dealer with whom Distributor has a dealer agreement to conform to the applicable provisions hereof and the Registration Statement with respect to the public offering price of the Shares, and neither Distributor nor any such dealers shall withhold the placing of purchase orders so as to make a profit thereby.

 

  16.3. Distributor agrees to furnish to the Trust sufficient copies of any agreements, plans or other materials it intends to use in connection with any sales of Shares in reasonably adequate time for the Trust to file and clear them with the proper authorities before they are put in use, and not to use them until so filed and cleared. At the request of the Fund, Distributor will assume responsibility for the review and clearance of all advertisements and sales literature.

 

  16.4. Distributor, at its own expense, will qualify as dealer or broker, or otherwise, under all Applicable Law required in order that the Shares may be sold in such States as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties.

 

  16.5.

Distributor shall not make or permit any representative, broker, or dealer to make, in connection with any sale or solicitation of a sale of the Shares, any representations concerning the Shares

 

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  except those contained in the then current Registration Statement covering the Shares and in printed information approved by the Trust as information supplemental to such Registration Statement. Copies of the then effective Registration Statement and any such printed supplemental information will be supplied by the Trust to Distributor in reasonable quantities upon request.

 

17. Privacy and Confidentiality

 

  17.1. Definition of Confidential Information. The term “ Confidential Information ” shall mean all information that either party discloses (a “ Disclosing Party ”) to the other party (a “ Receiving Party ”), whether in writing, electronically, or orally and in any form (tangible or intangible), that is confidential, proprietary, or relates to clients or Shareholders (each either existing or potential). Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to:

 

  A. any information concerning technology, such as systems, source code, databases, hardware, software, programs, applications, engaging protocols, routines, models, displays, and manuals;

 

  B. any unpublished information concerning research activities and plans, customers, clients, Shareholders, strategies and plans, costs, operational techniques;

 

  C. any unpublished financial information, including information concerning revenues, profits and profit margins, and costs or expenses; and

 

  D. Customer Information (as defined below).

Confidential Information is deemed confidential and proprietary to the Disclosing Party regardless of whether such information was disclosed intentionally or unintentionally, or marked appropriately.

 

  17.2. Definition of Customer Information. Any Customer Information will remain the sole and exclusive property of the Trust. Customer Information ” shall mean all non-public, personally identifiable information as defined by Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, as amended, and its implementing regulations ( e.g. , SEC Regulation S-P and Federal Reserve Board Regulation P) (collectively, the “ GLB Act ”).

 

  17.3. Treatment of Confidential Information

 

  A. Each party agrees that at all times during and after the terms of this Agreement, it shall use, handle, collect, maintain, and safeguard Confidential Information in accordance with (1) the confidentiality and non-disclosure requirements of this Agreement; (2) the GLB Act, as applicable and as it may be amended; and (3) such other Applicable Law, whether in effect now or in the future.

 

  B. Each party agrees that:

 

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  (1) The Receiving Party will hold all Confidential Information it obtains in strictest confidence and will use and permit use of Confidential Information solely for the purposes of this Agreement;

 

  (2) Without limiting the foregoing, the Receiving Party shall apply at least the same degree of reasonable care used for its own confidential and proprietary information to avoid disclosure or use of Confidential Information under this Agreement;

 

  (3) The Receiving Party may disclose or provide access only to its responsible employees or agents who have a need to know and are under adequate confidentiality agreements or arrangements, and the Receiving Party or its employees may make copies of Confidential Information only to the extent reasonably necessary to carry out the obligations under this Agreement; and

 

  (4) The Receiving Party will immediately notify the Disclosing Party of any unauthorized disclosure or use, and will cooperate with the Disclosing Party to protect all proprietary rights in any Confidential Information.

 

  17.4. Severability. This provision and the obligations under this Section 17 shall survive termination of the Agreement.

 

18. Press Release

Within the first 60 days of the Agreement Effective Date, the Trust agrees to review in good faith a press release (in any format or medium) announcing the Agreement with Distributor; provided that Distributor must obtain the Trust’s prior written consent prior to publication of such release, which consent shall not be unreasonably denied by the Trust.

 

19. Non-Exclusivity

The services of Distributor rendered to the Trust are not deemed to be exclusive. Except to the extent necessary to perform Distributor’s obligations under this Agreement, nothing herein shall be deemed to limit Distributor’s right, or the right of any of Distributor’s managers, officers, or employees (who also may be a trustee, officer or employee of the Trust), or persons who are otherwise affiliated persons of the Trust to engage in any other business or to devote time and attention to the management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar or dissimilar nature, or to render services of any kind to any other person. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent Distributor or any affiliated person (as defined in the 1940 Act) of Distributor from acting as distributor for any other person, firm or corporation (including other investment companies) or in any way limit or restrict Distributor or any such affiliated person from buying, selling or trading any securities for its or their own account or for the accounts of others from whom it or they may be acting; provided, however, that Distributor expressly represents that it will undertake no activities which, in its reasonable judgment, will adversely affect the performance of its obligations to the Trust under this Agreement.

 

20. Arbitration

In the event of a dispute between or among the parties relating to or arising out of this Agreement or the relationship of the parties, the parties will submit the matter to arbitration in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Code of Arbitration Procedure adopted by FINRA. The parties further agree that any contract, agreement or understanding between a party and its designees shall contain a provision binding the designee to the terms of this Arbitration Provision.

 

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  20.1. Arbitration will be held in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Code of Arbitration Procedure adopted by FINRA, except (a) in the event that FINRA is unwilling to accept jurisdiction of the matter, such arbitration will be held in accordance with the rules and regulations of the American Arbitration Association under the Commercial Arbitration Procedures then in effect, and (b) in the event that a non-party to this Agreement brings an arbitration relating to or arising out of this Agreement, then the entire dispute shall be arbitrated in whichever arbitration forum such arbitration is brought, and the parties and their designees agree to submit to the jurisdiction of such arbitration forum. In the event that (x) a non-party initiates a judicial proceeding relating to, or arising out of, this Agreement, and (y) such claim cannot be compelled to arbitration, and (z) a party or its designee asserts a claim against another party or its designee in connection with such proceeding, then the entire dispute shall be litigated in that court, and the parties and their designees agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the court in that judicial proceeding.

 

  20.2. If the arbitration is brought by a party, the number of arbitrators will be three (3), and they will be selected in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Code of Arbitration Procedure adopted by FINRA, or American Arbitration Association under the Commercial Arbitration Procedures then in effect, as appropriate. To the extent possible, the arbitrators shall be attorneys specializing in securities law. The arbitration shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1-16, to the exclusion of state laws inconsistent therewith, and judgment upon the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

 

  20.3. The parties and their respective designees will each bear their own expenses, including legal and expert fees, if any, with respect to the arbitration. The arbitrator will designate the party and/or designee to bear the costs of the arbitration forum and arbitrator’s fees or the respective amounts of such costs to be borne by each party and/or their designees. Any costs or fees, including attorneys fees, involved in enforcing the award shall be fully assessed against and paid by the party and/or designee resisting or preventing enforcement of the award.

 

  20.4. Nothing in this Section 20 will prevent the parties from resorting to judicial proceedings or otherwise for injunctive relief to prevent or limit irreparable harm or injury to such a party.

 

21. Notices

Any notice provided under this Agreement shall be sufficiently given when either delivered personally by hand or received by facsimile, electronic mail, or certified mail at the following address.

 

  21.1. If to the Trust:

Valued Advisers Trust

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

Attn: President

 

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  21.2. If to Distributor:

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC

Attn: Director of Fund Administration

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

Facsimile: (513) 587-3437

E-mail: FundAdmin@ultimusfundsolutions.com

 

22. General Provisions

 

  22.1. Incorporation by Reference. This Agreement and its schedules, exhibits, and other documents incorporated by reference express the entire understanding of the parties and supersede any other agreement between them relating to the Services.

 

  22.2. Conflicts. In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and any Appendices, this Agreement shall control.

 

  22.3. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Ohio, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.

 

  22.4. Questions of Interpretation. 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 rules, regulations or orders of the SEC issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act, reflected in any provision of this Agreement is revised by rule, regulation or order of the SEC, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

 

  22.5. Headings. Section and paragraph headings in this Agreement are included for convenience only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Agreement.

 

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

 

  22.7. Severability. If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion or portions shall be considered severable and not be affected by such determination, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain the particular part, term or provisions held to be illegal or invalid.

 

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The parties duly executed this Agreement as of March 15, 2018.

 

  Valued Advisers Trust       Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC
By:  

/s/ Carol J. Highsmith

    By:  

/s/ Robert G. Dorsey

Name:   Carol J. Highsmith     Name:   Robert G. Dorsey
Title:   Vice President and Secretary     Title:   Chief Executive Officer – Managing Director

 

 

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SCHEDULE A

To the

Distribution Agreement

Between

Valued Advisers Trust

and

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC

Dated March 15, 2018

Fund Portfolio(s) (by fiscal year end)

Fiscal Year End January 31

Belmont Theta Income Fund

Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund


Distribution Fee Letter

For

                Fund

A series of

Valued Advisers Trust

This Fee Letter applies to the Services provided by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (“ Distributor ”) to Valued Advisers Trust (the “ Trust ”), on behalf of         Fund (the “ Fund ”), pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, dated         , 2018.

 

1. Fees

 

  1.1. For the Distribution Services provided under the Distribution Agreement, Distributor shall be entitled to receive an annual fee of $         from each Fund listed on Schedule A and/or from the investment advisor(s) to such Fund(s) (the “ Advisor ”), paid on the first business day following the end of each month, or at such time(s) as Distributor shall request and the parties hereto shall agree.

 

  1.2. The Fees are computed daily and payable monthly, along with any out-of-pocket expenses. The Trust, a Fund and/or the Advisor agrees to pay all fees within 30 days of receipt of each invoice. Distributor retains the right to charge interest of 1.5% on any amounts that remain unpaid beyond such 30-day period. Acceptance of such late charge shall in no event constitute a waiver by Distributor of the Trust’s, the Fund’s or the Advisor’s default or prevent Distributor from exercising any other rights and remedies available to it.

 

2. Out-Of-Pocket Expenses

In addition to the above fees, the Trust, the Fund and/or the Advisor will reimburse Distributor for certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred on the Trust’s behalf, including but not limited to NSCC Fund/SERV fees and any expenses approved by the Trust (or, with respect to the Fund, its investment advisor). All other costs in connection with the offering of the shares of beneficial interest (the “ Shares ”) will be paid by the Trust, a Fund, or the Advisor in accordance with agreements between them as permitted by Applicable Law as discussed in Section 4.2 of the Distribution Agreement.

 

3. Term

 

  3.1. Initial Term. This Fee Letter shall continue in effect, unless earlier terminated by either party as provided under Section 9 of the Distribution Agreement, until the expiration of the Distribution Agreement’s Initial Term (the “ Initial Term ”).

 

  3.2. Renewal Terms. Immediately following the Initial Term, this Fee Letter shall renew for successive 1-year periods (each a “ Renewal Term ”) subject to annual approval of such continuance by the Board of the Trust, including the approval of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Trust or of Distributor by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

 

4. Amendment

The parties may only amend this Fee Letter by written amendment signed by both parties.


Distribution Fee Letter dated         , 2018.

 

 

Valued Advisers Trust

On behalf of          Fund

      Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC
By:  

 

    By:  

 

Name:       Name:   Robert G. Dorsey
Title:       Title:   Chief Executive Officer – Managing Director

 

  [Adviser]
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

[Fund] Distribution Fee Letter    Page 2 of 2

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

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

SMI Bond Fund

SMI 50/40/10 Fund

Dana Small Cap Equity Fund

Belmont Theta Income Fund

 

Custody Agreement

MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT

This Agreement, dated April 12, 2018 is between Valued Advisers Trust (the “ Trust ”), a Delaware business trust, and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“ Ultimus ”), a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Ohio.

Background

The Trust is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “ 1940 Act ”), and it desires that Ultimus perform certain services for each of its series listed on Schedule A (individually referred to herein as a “ Fund ” and collectively as the “ Funds ”). Ultimus is willing to perform such services on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

Terms and Conditions

 

1. Retention of Ultimus

The Trust retains Ultimus to act as the service provider on behalf of each Fund for the services set forth in each Addendum selected below (collectively, the “ Services ”), which are incorporated by reference into this Agreement. Ultimus accepts such employment to perform the selected Services.

 

  Fund Accounting Addendum

 

  Fund Administration Addendum

 

  Transfer Agent and Shareholder Servicing Addendum

Each selected Addendum is incorporated by reference into this Agreement.

 

2. Allocation of Charges and Expenses

 

  2.1. Ultimus shall furnish at its own expense the executive, supervisory, and clerical personnel necessary to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Ultimus shall also pay all compensation of any officers of the Trust who are affiliated persons of Ultimus, except when such person is serving as the Trust’s chief compliance officer.

 

  2.2. The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, assumes and shall pay or cause to be paid all other expenses of the Trust or a Fund not otherwise allocated under this Section 2, including, without limitation, organization costs, taxes, expenses for legal and auditing services, the expenses of preparing (including typesetting), printing and mailing reports, prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and related materials, all expenses incurred in connection with issuing and redeeming shares, the costs of custodial services, the cost of initial and ongoing registration or qualification of the shares under federal and state securities laws, fees and out-of-pocket expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of Ultimus or the investment adviser(s) to the Trust, insurance premiums, interest, brokerage costs, litigation and other extraordinary or nonrecurring expenses, and all fees and charges of investment advisers to the Trust.

 


3. Compensation

 

  3.1. The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, shall pay for the Services to be provided by Ultimus under this Agreement in accordance with, and in the manner set forth in, the fee letter attached to each addendum (each a “ Fee Letter ”), which may be amended from time to time. Each Fee Letter is incorporated by reference into this Agreement.

 

  3.2. If this Agreement becomes effective subsequent to the first day of a month, Ultimus’ compensation for that part of the month in which the Agreement is in effect shall be prorated in a manner consistent with the calculation of the fees as set forth in the applicable Fee Letter. If this Agreement terminates before the last day of a month, Ultimus’ compensation for that part of the month in which the Agreement is in effect shall be equal to a full calendar month’s worth of fees as calculated in a manner consistent with the calculation of the fees as set forth in the applicable Fee Letter. The Trust shall promptly pay Ultimus’ compensation for the preceding month.

 

  3.3. In the event that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“ FINRA ”), or any other regulator or self-regulatory authority adopts regulations and requirements relating to the payment of fees to service providers or which would result in any material increases in costs to provide the Services under this Agreement, the parties agree to negotiate in good faith amendments to this Agreement in order to comply with such requirements and provide for additional compensation for Ultimus as mutually agreed to by the parties.

 

  3.4. All undisputed amounts due hereunder shall be paid on or before the due date. In the event that any fees are disputed prior to the due date, the Trust shall, on or before the due date, pay all undisputed amounts due hereunder and notify Ultimus in writing of any disputed fees which it is disputing in good faith. Payment for such disputed fees shall be due on or before the tenth (10 th ) business day after the day on which Ultimus provides to the Trust documentation which reasonably supports the disputed charges, with such reasonableness to be determined by the Trust.

 

4. Reimbursement of Expenses

In addition to paying Ultimus the fees described in each Fee Letter, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, agrees to reimburse Ultimus for its actual out-of-pocket expenses in providing services hereunder, if applicable, including without limitation the following:

 

  4.1. Reasonable travel and lodging expenses incurred by officers and employees of Ultimus in connection with attendance at meetings of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “ Board ”) or any Committee thereof and shareholders’ meetings;

 

  4.2. All freight and other delivery charges incurred by Ultimus in delivering materials on behalf of the Trust;

 

  4.3. All direct telephone, telephone transmission and telecopy or other electronic transmission expenses incurred by Ultimus in communication with the Trust, the Trust’s investment adviser(s) or custodian, counsel for the Trust or a Fund, counsel for the Trust’s independent Trustees, the Trust’s independent accountants, dealers or others as required for Ultimus to perform the Services;

 

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  4.4. The cost of obtaining primary and secondary security market quotes and any securities data, including but not limited to the cost of fair valuation services;

 

  4.5. The cost of electronic or other methods of storing records and materials;

 

  4.6. All fees and expenses incurred in connection with any licensing of software, subscriptions to databases, custom programming or systems modifications required to provide any special reports or services requested by the Trust;

 

  4.7. Any expenses Ultimus shall incur at the direction of an officer of the Trust thereunto duly authorized other than an employee or other affiliated person of Ultimus who may otherwise be named as an authorized representative of the Trust for certain purposes;

 

  4.8. A reasonable allocation of the costs associated with the preparation of Ultimus’ Service Organization Control 1 Reports (“ SOC 1 Reports ”); and

 

  4.9. Any additional expenses reasonably incurred by Ultimus in the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement.

 

5. Maintenance of Books and Records; Record Retention

 

  5.1. Ultimus shall maintain and keep current the accounts, books, records and other documents relating to the Services as may be required by applicable law, rules, and regulations, including Federal Securities Laws as defined under Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.

 

  5.2. Ownership of Records

 

  A. Ultimus agrees that all such books, records, and other data (except computer programs and procedures) developed to perform the Services (collectively, “ Client Records ”) shall be the property of the Trust or Fund.

 

  B. Ultimus agrees to provide the Client Records of the Trust or a Fund upon reasonable request, and to make such books and records available for inspection by the Trust, a Fund, or its regulators at reasonable times.

 

  C. Ultimus agrees to furnish to the Trust or a Fund, at the expense of the Trust or Fund, all Client Records in the electronic or other medium in which such material is then maintained by Ultimus as soon as practicable after any termination of this Agreement. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, rules, or regulations, Ultimus shall promptly turn over to the Trust or Fund or, upon the written request of the Trust or Fund, destroy the Client Records maintained by Ultimus pursuant to this Agreement. If Ultimus is required by applicable law, rule, or regulation to maintain any Client Records, it will provide the Trust or Fund with copies as soon as reasonably practical after the termination.

 

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  5.3. Ultimus agrees to keep confidential all Client Records, except when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities or court process.

 

  5.4. If Ultimus is requested or required to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities or court process, Ultimus shall, unless prohibited by law, promptly notify the Trust or Fund of such request(s) so that the Trust or Fund may seek an appropriate protective order.

 

6. Subcontracting

Ultimus may, at its expense, subcontract with any entity or person concerning the provision of the Services; provided, however, that Ultimus shall not be relieved of any of its obligations under this Agreement by the appointment of such subcontractor, that Ultimus shall be responsible, to the extent provided in Section 10, for all acts of a subcontractor.

 

7. Effective Date

 

  7.1. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above with respect to each Fund in existence on such date (or, if a particular Fund is not in existence on that date, on the date such Fund commences operation) (the “ Agreement Effective Date ”).

 

  7.2. Each Addendum shall become effective as of the date first written in the Addendum with respect to each Fund in existence on such date (or, if a particular Fund is not in existence on that date, on the date such Fund commences operation) (collectively with the Agreement Effective Date, the “ Addendum Effective Date ”).

 

8. Term

The Fee Letters in effect from time to time with respect to each Fund will specify the initial and renewal term agreed upon with respect to each Fund. The provisions in this Section 8 shall govern with respect to the term of this Agreement between the Trust and Ultimus.

 

  8.1. Initial Term. This Agreement shall continue in effect, unless earlier terminated by either party as provided under this Section 8, for a period of three years from the date first written above (the “ Initial Term ”).

 

  8.2. Renewal Terms. Immediately following the Initial Term this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one-year periods (a “ Renewal Term ”).

 

  8.3. Termination. A party may terminate this Agreement under the following circumstances.

 

  A. Termination for Good Cause. During the Initial Term or a Renewal Term, a party (the “ Terminating Party ”) may only terminate the Agreement against the other party (the “ Non-Terminating Party” ) for good cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “ good cause ” shall mean:

 

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  (1) a material breach of this Agreement by the Non-Terminating Party that has not been cured or remedied within 30 days after the Non-Terminating Party receives written notice of such breach from the Terminating Party;

 

  (2) the Non-Terminating Party takes a position regarding compliance with Federal Securities Laws that the Terminating Party reasonably disagrees with, the Terminating Party provides 30 days’ prior written notice of such disagreement, and the parties fail to come to agreement on the position;

 

  (3) a final and unappealable judicial, regulatory, or administrative ruling or order in which the Non-Terminating Party has been found guilty of criminal or unethical behavior in the conduct of its business;

 

  (4) the authorization or commencement of, or involvement by way of pleading, answer, consent, or acquiescence in, a voluntary or involuntary case under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States Code, as then in effect.

 

  B. Out-of-Scope Termination. If a Trust or an investment adviser with respect to a Fund demands services that are beyond the scope of this Agreement and any incorporated Addendum, and the parties cannot agree on appropriate terms relating to such out-of-scope services, any party may terminate this Agreement with respect to one or more Funds upon 60 days’ prior written notice.

 

  C. End-of-Term Termination. A party can terminate this Agreement at the end of the Initial Term or a Renewal Term by providing written notice of termination to the other party at least 90 days prior to the end of the Initial Term or then-current Renewal Term.

 

  D. Early Termination. Any termination by the Trust or an investment adviser with respect to a Fund other than termination under Section 8.3.A-C is deemed an “ Early Termination .” Whether a termination with respect to a Fund is deemed an Early Termination will be based on the provisions of the Fee Letter currently in effect with respect to such Fund. The Trust or Fund that provides a notice of Early Termination is subject to an “ Early Termination Fee ” equal to the pro-rated fee amount due to Ultimus through the end of the then-current term as calculated in the applicable Fee Letter, including the repayment of any negotiated discounts provided by Ultimus during the term of the Agreement (in the case of the Fund, the notice of Early Termination would be provided by the investment adviser to the Fund).

 

  E. Final Payment . Any unpaid compensation, reimbursement of expenses, or Early Termination Fee is due to Ultimus within 15 calendar days of the termination date provided in the notice of termination.

 

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  F. Transition. Upon termination of this Agreement, Ultimus will cooperate with any reasonable request of the Trust or an investment adviser to a Fund to effect a prompt transition to a new service provider selected by the Trust or by an investment adviser to a Fund. Ultimus shall be entitled to collect from the Trust or Fund, in addition to the compensation described in each applicable Fee Letter, (1) the amount of all of Ultimus’ cash disbursements reasonably made for services in connection with Ultimus’ activities in effecting such termination, including without limitation, the delivery to the Trust or Fund, or a designee thereof, the property, records, instruments, and documents of the Trust/Fund, and (2) a reasonable de-conversion fee as mutually agreed to by the parties.

 

  G. Liquidation. Upon termination of this Agreement due to the liquidation of the Trust or a Fund, Ultimus shall be entitled to collect from the Trust/Fund, in addition to the compensation described in each applicable Fee Letter, (1) the amount of all of Ultimus’ cash disbursements reasonably made (as determined by the Trust) for services in connection with Ultimus’ activities in effecting such termination, including without limitation, the delivery to the Trust/Fund or a designees thereof, the property, records, instruments, and documents of the Trust/Fund; and (2) a reasonable liquidation fee as mutually agreed to by the parties.

 

  8.4. No Waiver. Failure by either party to terminate this Agreement for a particular cause shall not constitute a waiver of its right to subsequently terminate this Agreement for the same or any other cause.

 

9. Additional Funds or Classes of Shares

In the event that the Trust establishes one or more series or classes of shares after the Agreement Effective Date, each such series or class of shares shall become a Fund or class of shares of a Fund (if applicable), under this Agreement and shall be added to Schedule A.

 

10. Standard of Care; Limits of Liability; Indemnification

 

  10.1. Standard of Care. Each party’s duties are limited to those expressly set forth in this Agreement and the parties do not assume any implied duties. Each party shall use its best efforts in the performance of its duties and act in good faith in performing the Services or its obligations under this Agreement. Each party shall be liable for any damages, losses or costs arising directly or indirectly out of such party’s failure to perform its duties under this Agreement to the extent such damages, losses or costs arise directly or indirectly out of its willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence in the performance of its duties, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder.

 

  10.2. Limits of Liability

 

  A. Ultimus shall not be liable for any Losses (as defined below) arising from the following:

 

  (1) performing Services or duties pursuant to any instruction, notice, or other instrument that Ultimus reasonably believes to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by a duly authorized representative of the Trust or any Fund (other than an employee or other affiliated persons of Ultimus who may otherwise be named as an authorized representative of the Trust for certain purposes);

 

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  (2) operating under its own initiative, in good faith and in accordance with the standard of care set forth herein, in performing its duties or the Services;

 

  (3) using valuation information provided by the Trust’s approved third party pricing service(s) or the investment adviser(s) to the Fund for the purpose of valuing a Fund’s portfolio holdings subject to the provisions of valuation procedures approved by the Trust;

 

  (4) any default, damages, costs, loss of data or documents, errors, delay, or other loss whatsoever caused by events beyond Ultimus’ reasonable control; and

 

  (5) any error, action or omission by the Trust or other past or current service provider, with the exception of Ultimus or Ultimus affiliates.

 

  B. Ultimus may apply to the Trust at any time for instructions and may consult with counsel for the Trust or a Fund, counsel for the Trust’s independent Trustees, and with accountants and other experts with respect to any matter arising in connection with Ultimus’ duties or the Services. Ultimus shall not be liable or accountable for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith in accordance with such instruction or with the reasonable opinion of such counsel, accountants, or other experts qualified to render such opinion

 

  C. A copy of the Trust’s Declaration of Trust is on file with the SEC, and notice is hereby given that this instrument is executed on behalf of the Trust and not the Trustees individually and that the obligations of this instrument are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Trust (or if the matter relates only to a particular Fund, that Fund), and Ultimus shall look only to the assets of the Trust (or the particular Fund), for the satisfaction of such obligations.

 

  D. Ultimus shall not be held to have notice of any change of authority of any officer, agent, representative or employee of the Trust, the Trust’s investment adviser or any of the Trust’s other service providers that are not affiliated with Ultimus until receipt of written notice thereof from the Trust. As used in this Agreement, the term “ investment adviser ” includes all sub-advisers or person performing similar services. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, if any Ultimus employee is present in person or by telephone at a meeting of the Board during which any change described in this paragraph is approved by the Board or if any Ultimus employee or any employee of any affiliate of Ultimus was involved in any action to make any change described in this paragraph, Ultimus shall be deemed to have notice of such change.

 

  E. The Board has, and retains, primary responsibility for oversight of all compliance matters relating to the Funds, including but not limited to compliance with the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Internal Revenue Code ”), the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 and the policies and limitations of each Fund relating to the portfolio investments as set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information. Ultimus’ monitoring and other functions hereunder shall not relieve the Board of its primary responsibility for overseeing such compliance.

 

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  F. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Trust agrees to limit Ultimus’ liability for the Trust’s Losses (as defined below) to an amount that shall not exceed the total compensation received by Ultimus under this Agreement during the most recent rolling 12-month period or, if the Agreement is in effect for less than a year at the time of liability, then the most recent one-month period annualized. This limitation shall apply regardless of the cause of action or legal theory asserted. This section shall be subject to the terms of Section 10.1 of this Agreement.

 

  G. In no event shall Ultimus be liable for trading losses, lost revenues, special, incidental, punitive, indirect, consequential or exemplary damages or lost profits, whether or not such damages were foreseeable or Ultimus was advised of the possibility thereof. The parties acknowledge that the other parts of this Agreement are premised upon the limitation stated in this section. This section shall be subject to the terms of Section 10.1 of this Agreement.

 

  10.3. Indemnification

 

  A. Each party (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) agrees to indemnify, defend, and protect the other party, including its trustees or directors, officers, employees, and other agents (collectively, the “ Indemnitees ”), and shall hold the Indemnitees harmless from and against any actions, suits, claims, losses, damages, liabilities, and reasonable costs, charges, expenses (including attorney fees and investigation expenses) (collectively, “ Losses ”) arising directly or indirectly out of (1) the Indemnifying Party’s failure to exercise the standard of care set forth above unless such Losses were caused in part by the Indemnitees own willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence; (2) any violation of Applicable Law (defined below) by the Indemnifying Party or its affiliated persons or agents relating to this Agreement and the activities thereunder; and (3) any material breach by the Indemnifying Party or its affiliated persons or agents of this Agreement.

 

  B. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the Trust or Fund shall indemnify Ultimus for Ultimus’ Losses arising from circumstances under Section 10.2.A.

 

  C. Upon the assertion of a claim for which either party may be required to indemnify the other, the party seeking indemnification shall promptly notify the other party of such assertion, and shall keep the other party advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The party who may be required to indemnify shall have the option to participate with the party seeking indemnification in the defense of such claim or to defend against said claim in its own name or in the name of the other party. The party seeking indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the other party may be required to indemnify it except with the other party’s prior written consent.

 

  10.4. The provisions of this Section 10 shall survive termination of this Agreement.

 

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11. Force Majeure.

Neither party will be liable for Losses, loss of data, delay of Services, or any other issues caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, delays by third party vendors and/or communications carriers, acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, or (unless such failures are within Ultimus’ reasonable control) failure of the mails, transportation, communication, or power supply.

 

12. Representations and Warranties

 

  12.1. Joint Representations. Each party represents and warrants, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that:

 

  (A) It is a corporation, partnership, trust, or other entity duly organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organized.

 

  (B) To the extent required by Applicable Law (defined below), it is duly registered with all appropriate regulatory agencies or self-regulatory organizations and such registration will remain in full force and effect for the duration of this Agreement.

 

  (C) For the duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, it is currently and will continue to abide by all applicable federal and state laws, including without limitation federal and state securities laws; regulations, rules, and interpretations of the SEC and its authorized regulatory agencies and organizations, including FINRA; and all other self-regulatory organizations governing the transactions contemplated under this Agreement (collectively, “ Applicable Law ”).

 

  (D) It has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of the transactions, duties, and responsibilities contemplated by the Agreement.

 

  (E) This Agreement constitutes a legal obligation of the party, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties.

 

  (F) Whenever, in the course of performing its duties under this Agreement, it determines that a violation of Applicable Law has occurred, or that, to its knowledge, a possible violation of Applicable Law may have occurred, or with the passage of time could occur, it shall promptly notify the other party of such violation.

 

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

 

  (A) (1) as of the close of business on the Agreement Effective Date, each Fund that is then in existence has authorized unlimited shares, and (2) no shares of the Trust will be offered to the public until the Trust’s registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), and the 1940 Act has been declared or becomes effective.

 

  (B) It shall cause the investment adviser(s) and sub-advisers, prime broker, custodian, legal counsel, independent accountants, and other service providers and agents, past or present, for each Fund to cooperate with Ultimus and to provide it with such information, documents, and advice relating to the Fund as appropriate or requested by Ultimus, in order to enable Ultimus to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement.

 

  (C) To the knowledge of the Trust and the Fund, the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “ Declaration of Trust ”), Bylaws and registration statement and the Fund’s prospectus are true and accurate and will remain true and accurate at all times during the term of this Agreement in conformance with applicable federal and state securities laws.

 

  (D) Each of the employees of Ultimus that serve or has served at any time as an officer of the Trust, including the CCO, President, Treasurer, Secretary and the AML Compliance Officer, shall be covered by the Trust’s Directors & Officers/Errors & Omissions insurance policy (the “ Policy ”) and shall be subject to the provisions of the Trust’s Declaration of Trust and Bylaws regarding indemnification of its officers. On the Trust’s behalf, Ultimus will obtain, subject to Board approval, the Policy and Ultimus may retain proof of current coverage, including a copy of the Policy. Ultimus shall notify the Trust immediately should the Policy be cancelled or terminated.

 

  (E) Any officer of the Trust shall be considered an individual who is authorized to provide Ultimus with instructions and requests on behalf of the Trust (an “ Authorized Person ”) (unless such authority is limited in a writing from the Trust and received by Ultimus) and has the authority to appoint additional Authorized Persons, to limit or revoke the authority of any previously designated Authorized Person, and to certify to Ultimus the names of the Authorized Persons from time to time.

 

13. Insurance

 

  13.1. Maintenance of Insurance Coverage. Each party agrees to maintain throughout the term of this Agreement professional liability insurance coverage of the type and amount reasonably customary in its industry. With respect to the Trust, this Section 13.1 shall be satisfied by the Trust insofar as the Policy is kept in place. Upon request, a party shall furnish the other party with pertinent information concerning the professional liability insurance coverage that it maintains. Such information shall include the identity of the insurance carrier(s), coverage levels, and deductible amounts.

 

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  13.2. Notice of Claims. As it relates to the Services provided under this Agreement, each party shall notify the other party of any material claims against the notifying party under such insurance, whether or not the party is covered by insurance, and, if requested by the non-notifying party, the notifying party shall aggregate and disclose all outstanding claims against the notifying party.

 

  13.3. Notice of Termination. A party shall promptly notify the other party should any of the notifying party’s insurance coverage be canceled or reduced. Such notification shall include the date of change and the reasons therefore.

 

  13.4. Effective Notice. With respect to Section 13.2 and 13.3, Ultimus shall be deemed to have effective notice of any of the circumstances described in those sections to the extent Ultimus and/or its affiliates and their respective employees are responsible for ensuring that the Policy stays in place and for interacting with the Trust’s insurance broker and/or insurance carrier.

 

14. Information Provided By The Trust

 

  14.1. Prior to the Agreement Effective Date. The Trust’s chief compliance officer shall ensure that Ultimus has in its records the following:

 

  (A) copies of the Declaration of Trust and of any amendments thereto, certified by the proper official of the state in which such document has been filed;

 

  (B) the Trust’s Bylaws and any amendments thereto;

 

  (C) certified copies of resolutions of the Board covering the approval of this Agreement, authorization of a specified officer of the Trust to execute and deliver this Agreement and authorization for specified officers of the Trust to instruct Ultimus thereunder;

 

  (D) a list of all the officers of the Trust, together with specimen signatures of those officers who are authorized to instruct Ultimus in all matters;

 

  (E) the Trust’s registration statement on Form N-1A and all amendments thereto filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act and the 1940 Act;

 

  (F) the Trust’s notification of registration under the 1940 Act on Form N-8A as filed with the SEC;

 

  (G) an accurate current list of shareholders of each existing series of the Trust, if applicable, showing each shareholder’s address of record, number of shares owned and whether such shares are represented by outstanding share certificates;

 

  (H) copies of the current plan of distribution adopted by the Trust under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for each Fund, if applicable;

 

  (I) copies of the current investment advisory agreement and current investment sub-advisory agreement, if applicable, for each Fund;

 

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  (J) copies of the current underwriting agreement for each Fund;

 

  (K) contact information for each Fund’s service providers, including but not limited to, the Fund’s administrator, custodian, transfer agent, independent accountants, legal counsel, underwriter and chief compliance officer; and

 

  (L) a copy of procedures adopted by the Trust in accordance with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.

 

  14.2. After the Agreement Effective Date. After the Agreement Effective Date, the Trust will furnish to Ultimus any amendments to the items listed in Section 14.1.

 

15. Compliance with Law

The Trust acknowledges its responsibility under Federal Securities Laws for the accuracy and completeness of each prospectus of a Fund and further agrees to comply (or to cause compliance) with all applicable requirements of the Federal Securities Laws and any other laws, rules and regulations of governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the Trust or a Fund, including, but not limited to, the Internal Revenue Code, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, each as amended.

 

16. Privacy and Confidentiality

 

  16.1. Definition of Confidential Information. The term “ Confidential Information ” shall mean all information that either party discloses (a “ Disclosing Party ”) to the other party (a “ Receiving Party ”), whether in writing, electronically, or orally and in any form (tangible or intangible), that is confidential, proprietary, or relates to clients or shareholders (each either existing or potential). Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to:

 

  (A) any information concerning technology, such as systems, source code, databases, hardware, software, programs, applications, engaging protocols, routines, models, displays, and manuals;

 

  (B) any unpublished information concerning research activities and plans, customers, clients, shareholders, strategies and plans, costs, operational techniques;

 

  (C) any unpublished financial information, including information concerning revenues, profits and profit margins, and costs or expenses; and

 

  (D) Customer Information (as defined below).

Confidential Information is deemed confidential and proprietary to the Disclosing Party regardless of whether such information was disclosed intentionally or unintentionally, or marked appropriately.

 

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  16.2. Definition of Customer Information. Any Customer Information will remain the sole and exclusive property of the Trust. Customer Information ” shall mean all non-public, personally identifiable information as defined by Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, as amended, and its implementing regulations ( e.g. , SEC Regulation S-P and Federal Reserve Board Regulation P) (collectively, the “ GLB Act ”).

 

  16.3. Treatment of Confidential Information

 

  (A) Each party agrees that at all times during and after the terms of this Agreement, it shall use, handle, collect, maintain, and safeguard Confidential Information in accordance with (1) the confidentiality and non-disclosure requirements of this Agreement; (2) the GLB Act, as applicable and as it may be amended; and (3) such other Applicable Law, whether in effect now or in the future.

 

  (B) Each party agrees that:

 

  (1) The Receiving Party will hold all Confidential Information it obtains in strictest confidence and will use and permit use of Confidential Information solely for the purposes of this Agreement;

 

  (2) Without limiting the foregoing, the Receiving Party shall apply at least the same degree of reasonable care used for its own confidential and proprietary information to avoid disclosure or use of Confidential Information under this Agreement;

 

  (3) The Receiving Party may disclose or provide access only to its responsible employees or agents who have a need to know and are under adequate confidentiality agreements or arrangements, and the Receiving Party or its employees may make copies of Confidential Information only to the extent reasonably necessary to carry out the obligations under this Agreement; and

 

  (4) The Receiving Party will immediately notify the Disclosing Party of any unauthorized disclosure or use, and will cooperate with the Disclosing Party to protect all proprietary rights in any Confidential Information.

 

  16.4. Severability. This provision and the obligations under this Section 16 shall survive termination of the Agreement.

 

17. Press Release

Within the first 60 days of the Agreement Effective Date, the Trust agrees to review in good faith a press release (in any format or medium) announcing the Agreement with Ultimus; provided that Ultimus must obtain the Trust’s prior written consent prior to publication of such release, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

18. Non-Exclusivity

The services of Ultimus rendered to the Trust are not deemed to be exclusive. Except to the extent necessary to perform Ultimus’ obligations under this Agreement, nothing herein shall be deemed to limit or restrict Ultimus’ right, or the right of any of Ultimus’ managers, officers or employees who also may be a trustee, officer or employee of the Trust, or persons who are otherwise affiliated persons of the Trust to engage in any other business or to devote time and attention to the management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar or dissimilar nature, or to render services of any kind to any other person.

 

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19. Arbitration

In the event of a dispute between or among the parties relating to or arising out of this Agreement or the relationship of the parties, the parties will submit the matter to arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association, in accordance with its rules applicable to commercial disputes. The parties further agree that any contract, agreement or understanding between a party and its designees shall contain a provision binding the designee to the terms of this Arbitration Provision.

 

  19.1. In the event that a non-party to this Agreement brings an arbitration relating to or arising out of this Agreement, then the entire dispute shall be arbitrated in whichever arbitration forum such arbitration is brought, and the parties and their designees agree to submit to the jurisdiction of such arbitration forum. In the event that (a) a non-party initiates a judicial proceeding relating to, or arising out of, this Agreement, and (b) such claim cannot be compelled to arbitration, and (c) a party or its designee asserts a claim against another party or its designee in connection with such proceeding, then the entire dispute shall be litigated in that court, and the parties and their designees agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the court in that judicial proceeding.

 

  19.2. If the arbitration is brought by a party, the number of arbitrators will be three (3), and they will be selected in accordance with the rules and regulations of the American Arbitration Association under the Commercial Arbitration Procedures then in effect. To the extent possible, the arbitrators shall be attorneys specializing in securities law. The arbitration shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1-16, to the exclusion of state laws inconsistent therewith, and judgment upon the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

 

  19.3. The parties and their respective designees will each bear their own expenses, including legal and expert fees, if any, with respect to the arbitration. The arbitrator will designate the party and/or designee to bear the costs of the arbitration forum and arbitrator’s fees or the respective amounts of such costs to be borne by each party and/or their designees. Any costs or fees, including attorney’s fees, involved in enforcing the award shall be fully assessed against and paid by the party and/or designee resisting or preventing enforcement of the award.

 

  19.4. Nothing in this Section 19 will prevent the parties from resorting to judicial proceedings or otherwise for injunctive relief to prevent or limit irreparable harm or injury to such a party.

 

20. Notices

Any notice provided under this Agreement shall be sufficiently given when either delivered personally by hand or received by facsimile, electronic mail, or certified mail at the following address.

 

  20.1. If to the Trust:

Valued Advisers Trust

Attn: President

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, Ohio 45256

 

Valued Advisers Trust   

Ultimus Master Services Agreement

  

April 12, 2018

   Page 14 of 17


  20.2. If to Ultimus:

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

Attn: Director of Fund Administration

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

Facsimile: (513) 587-3437

E-mail: FundAdmin@ultimusfundsolutions.com

 

  20.3. If to the investment adviser of a Fund:

To the address set forth on the Fee Letter applicable to such Fund and investment adviser.

 

21. General Provisions

 

  21.1. Incorporation by Reference. This Agreement and its addendums, schedules, exhibits, and other documents incorporated by reference express the entire understanding of the parties and supersede any other agreement between them relating to the Services.

 

  21.2. Conflicts. In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and any Appendices or Addendum thereto, this Agreement shall control.

 

  21.3. Amendments. The parties may only amend or waive all or part of this Agreement by written amendment or waiver signed by both parties.

 

  21.4. Assignments

 

  (A) Except as provided in this Section 21.4, this Agreement and the rights and duties hereunder shall not be assignable by either of the parties except by the specific written consent of the non-assigning party.

 

  (B) The terms and provisions of this Agreement shall become automatically applicable to any investment company that is the successor to the Trust because of reorganization, recapitalization, or change of domicile.

 

  (C) Unless the Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section 8 of this Agreement, Ultimus may, to the extent permitted by law and in its sole discretion, assign all its rights and interests in this Agreement to an affiliate, parent, subsidiary or to the purchaser of substantially all of its business, provided that Ultimus provides to the Trust at least 90 days’ prior written notice.

 

  (D) This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

Valued Advisers Trust   

Ultimus Master Services Agreement

  

April 12, 2018

   Page 15 of 17


  21.5. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Ohio, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.

 

  21.6. Headings. Section and paragraph headings in this Agreement are included for convenience only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Agreement.

 

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

 

  21.8. Severability. If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion or portions shall be considered severable and not be affected by such determination, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain the particular part, term or provisions held to be illegal or invalid.

Signatures are located on the next page.

 

Valued Advisers Trust   

Ultimus Master Services Agreement

  

April 12, 2018

   Page 16 of 17


The parties duly executed this Agreement as of April 12, 2018.

 

   Valued Advisers Trust       Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
By:   

 

      By:   

 

Name:    Carol J. Highsmith       Name:    Gary R. Tenkman
Title:    Vice President and Secretary       Title:    President – Managing Director

 

 

Valued Advisers Trust   

Ultimus Master Services Agreement

  

April 12, 2018

   Page 17 of 17


SCHEDULE A

To the

Master Services Agreement

between

Valued Advisers Trust

and

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

Dated April 12, 2018

Fund Portfolios by fiscal year end

Fiscal Year End January 31

Belmont Theta Income Fund

Golub Group Equity Fund

Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund

Fiscal Year End May 31

BFS Equity Fund

LS Opportunity Fund

Fiscal Year End October 31

Dana Large Cap Equity Fund

Dana Small Cap Equity Fund

Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund

Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund

SMI Conservative Allocation Fund

SMI Dynamic Allocation Fund

SMI 50/40/10 Fund

Sound Mind Investing Fund


Fund Accounting Addendum

For

Valued Advisers Trust

This Fund Accounting Addendum, dated April 12, 2018, is between Valued Advisers Trust (the “ Trust ”), on behalf of the Funds listed on Schedule A to the Master Services Agreement, dated April 12, 2018, and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“ Ultimus ”) .

Fund Accounting Services

 

1. Performance of Daily Accounting Services

Ultimus shall perform the following accounting services daily for each Fund, each in accordance with the Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information:

 

  1.1. calculate the net asset value per share utilizing prices obtained from the sources described in subsection 1.2 below;

 

  1.2. obtain security prices from independent pricing services, or if such quotes are unavailable, then obtain such prices from each Fund’s investment adviser or its designee, as approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (hereafter referred to as “ Board ”);

 

  1.3. verify and reconcile with the Funds’ custodian cash and all daily activity;

 

  1.4. compute, as appropriate, each Fund’s net income and realized capital gains, dividend payables, dividend factors, and weighted average portfolio maturity;

 

  1.5. review daily the net asset value calculation and dividend factor (if any) for each Fund prior to release to shareholders, check and confirm the net asset values and dividend factors for reasonableness and deviations, and distribute net asset values and/or yields to NASDAQ and such other entities as directed by the Fund;

 

  1.6. determine unrealized appreciation and depreciation on securities held by the Funds;

 

  1.7. accrue income of each Fund;

 

  1.8. amortize premiums and accrete discounts on securities purchased at a price other than face value, if requested by the Trust;

 

  1.9. update fund accounting system to reflect rate changes, as received/obtained by Ultimus, on variable interest rate instruments;

 

  1.10. record investment trades received in proper form from the Fund or its authorized agents on the industry standard T+1 basis;

 

  1.11. calculate Fund expenses based on instructions from the Fund’s administrator;

 


  1.12. accrue expenses of each Fund;

 

  1.13. determine the outstanding receivables and payables for all (1) security trades, (2) Fund share transactions and (3) income and expense accounts;

 

  1.14. provide accounting reports in connection with the Trust’s regular annual audit and other audits and examinations by regulatory agencies;

 

  1.15. provide such periodic reports as agreed to by the parties;

 

  1.16. prepare and maintain the following records upon receipt of information in proper form from the Fund or its authorized agents: (1) cash receipts journal; (2) cash disbursements journal; (3) dividend record; (4) purchase and sales-portfolio securities journals; (5) subscription and redemption journals; (6) security ledgers; (7) broker ledger; (8) general ledger; (9) daily expense accruals; (10) daily income accruals, (11) securities and monies borrowed or loaned and collateral therefore; (12) foreign currency journals; and (13) trial balances;

 

  1.17. provide information typically supplied in the investment company industry to companies that track or report price, performance or other information with respect to investment companies;

 

  1.18. provide accounting information to the Fund Company’s independent registered public accounting firm in preparation of the Fund Company’s tax returns; and

 

  1.19. cooperate with, and take all reasonable actions in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, to ensure that all necessary information is made available to, the Trust’s independent public accountants in connection with any audit or the preparation of any report requested by the Trust.

 

2. Additional Accounting Services

Ultimus shall also perform the following additional accounting services for each Fund.

 

  2.1. Financial Statements. Ultimus will provide monthly (or as frequently as may reasonably be requested by the Trust or a Fund’s investment adviser) a set of Financial Statements for each Fund. For purposes of this Fund Accounting Addendum, “ Financial Statements ” include the following: (A) Statement of Assets and Liabilities; (B) Statement of Operations; (C) Statement of Changes in Net Assets; (D) Security Purchases and Sales Journals; and (E) Fund Holdings Reports.

 

  2.2. Other Information. Provide accounting information for the following:

 

  (A) federal and state income tax returns and federal excise tax returns;

 

  (B) the Trust’s reports with the SEC on Forms N-CEN, N-PORT and N-CSR;

 

  (C) registration statements on Form N-1A and other filings relating to the registration of shares;

 

Valued Advisers Trust   

Fund Accounting Addendum

  

Dated April 12, 2018

   Page 2 of 4


  (D) Ultimus’ monitoring of the Trust’s status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the “ Internal Revenue Code ”);

 

  (E) annual audit by the Trust’s independent accountants; and

 

  (F) examinations performed by the SEC.

 

  2.3. Other Services

 

  (A) as appropriate, compute the Trust’s yields, total return, expense ratios, and portfolio turnover rate, and any other financial ratios required by regulatory filings.

 

3. Special Reports and Services

 

  3.1. Ultimus may provide additional special reports upon the request of the Trust or a Fund’s investment adviser, which may result in an additional charge, the amount of which shall be agreed upon by the parties prior to the reports being made available.

 

  3.2. Ultimus may provide such other similar services with respect to a Fund as may be reasonably requested by the Trust, which may result in an additional charge, the amount of which shall be agreed upon between the parties prior to such services being provided.

 

  3.3. For special cases, the parties hereto may amend the procedures or services set forth in this Agreement as may be appropriate or practical under the circumstances, and Ultimus may conclusively assume that any special procedure or service which has been approved by the Trust does not conflict with or violate any requirements of its Agreement and Declaration of Trust or then current prospectuses, or any rule, regulation or requirement of any regulatory body.

 

4. Tax Matters

Ultimus does not provide tax advice. Nothing in the Master Services Agreement or this Fund Accounting Addendum shall be construed or have the effect of rendering tax advice. It is important that the Trust or a Fund consult a professional tax advisor regarding its individual tax situation.

 

5. Forms N-CEN and N-PORT

 

  5.1 . If Ultimus also provides fund administration to the Trust or Fund, Ultimus will prepare and file with the SEC the reports on Forms N-CEN and N-PORT.

 

  5.2. If Ultimus does not provide fund administration to the Trust of Fund, Ultimus will provide the fund administrator with accounting information for Forms N-CEN and N-PORT.

Signatures are located on the next page.

 

Valued Advisers Trust   

Fund Accounting Addendum

  

Dated April 12, 2018

   Page 3 of 4


The parties duly executed this Fund Accounting Addendum as of April 12, 2018.

 

  

Valued Advisers Trust

On behalf of all Funds listed on Schedule A

to the Master Services Agreement

         Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
By:   

 

      By:   

 

Name:    Carol J. Highsmith       Name:    Gary R. Tenkman
Title:    Vice President and Secretary       Title:    President – Managing Director

 

Valued Advisers Trust   

Fund Accounting Addendum

  

Dated April 12, 2018

   Page 4 of 4


Fund Accounting Fee Letter

For

            Fund

A series of

Valued Advisers Trust

This Fee Letter applies to the Services provided by Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“ Ultimus ”) to Valued Advisers Trust (the “ Trust ”), for              Fund (the “ Fund ”), pursuant to the Master Services Agreement, dated April 12, 2018, and the Fund Accounting Addendum, dated April 12, 2018.

 

1. Fees

For the Fund Accounting Services provided under the Fund Accounting Addendum, Ultimus shall be entitled to receive a fee from the Trust on the first business day following the end of each month, or at such time(s) as Ultimus shall request and the parties hereto shall agree, a fee computed with respect to each Fund as follows:

 

  1.1. Base fee per Fund per year as follows:

 

          Number of Share Classes
          One    Two    Three

US Based

Domestic

   Year 1         
Securities    Year 2         
   Year 3         

 

          Number of Share Classes
          One    Two    Three

Global or

International

   Year 1         
Securities    Year 2         
   Year 3         

The Base Fee charged in Year 3 will continue until the parties mutually agree to a revised fee structure.

plus

 

  1.2. Asset based fee of:

 

Average Daily Net Assets

   Asset Based Fee  

$            to $            million

     %  

In excess of $            million

     %  

 

  1.3. Multi-Manager: For Multi-Manager funds, Ultimus charges a fee of $500 per month per manager.


  1.4. Forms N-CEN and N-PORT.

 

  A. Beginning on June 1, 2018, the Trust or Fund agrees to pay Ultimus for any out-of-pocket expenses related to the preparation and filing of Form N-CEN and to meet the requirements of Rule 30a-1 under the 1940 Act.

 

  B. The Trust or Fund agrees to pay Ultimus a one-time implementation fee of $3,000 per Fund and an annual fee (based on the schedule below), for preparing Forms N-CEN and N-PORT and to meet the requirements of Rule 30b1-9 under the 1940 Act. The implementation fee shall be paid in two equal installments with the first payment due 60 days prior to the Fund’s first fiscal year end after the compliance date for Form N-CEN, and the second payment due 60 days prior to the Fund’s compliance date for Form N-PORT.

 

    

Number of Securities

  

Annual Fee Per Fund (paid monthly)

   Less than 500    $6,000 plus out of pocket charges

Equity Funds*

   501 to 2,000    $8,000 plus out of pocket charges
   Over 2,000    TBD
   Less than 500    $7,500 plus out of pocket charges

Fixed Income Funds

   501 to 1,000    $10,000 plus out of pocket charges
   Over 1,000    TBD

 

* Equity Fund is defined by any fund that has less than 25% debt exposure over the previous three-month period.

 

  1.5. The Fees are computed daily and payable monthly, along with any out-of-pocket expenses. The Trust agrees to pay all fees within 30 days of receipt of each invoice. Ultimus retains the right to charge interest of 1.5% on any amounts that remain unpaid beyond such 30-day period. Acceptance of such late charge shall in no event constitute a waiver by Ultimus of the Trust’s default or prevent Ultimus from exercising any other rights and remedies available to it.

 

2. Performance Reporting

For Performance Reporting (including After-Tax Performance Reporting), Ultimus charges $     per month per Fund (or to each share class if a Fund offers multiple classes of shares).

 

3. Monthly Per Trade Fee

The Base fees, as described above, allow each Fund to execute up to      portfolio trades (i.e., purchases and sales) per month without additional fees. For portfolio trades in excess of this amount, Ultimus will charge the respective Fund $     for each such portfolio trade.

 

4. Out-Of-Pocket Expenses

In addition to the above fees, each Fund will reimburse Ultimus for the costs of the daily portfolio-price-quotation services utilized by such Fund.

 

  
  

[ Fund ] Fund Accounting Fee Letter

   Page 2 of 4


5. Term

 

  5.1. Initial Term. This Fee Letter shall continue in effect until the expiration of the Master Services Agreement’s Initial Term (the “ Initial Term ”).

 

  5.2. Renewal Terms. Immediately following the Initial Term, this Fee Letter shall automatically renew for successive     -year periods (each a “ Renewal Term ”).

 

6. Fee Increases

Ultimus may annually increase the fees listed above by an amount not to exceed the average annual change for the prior calendar year in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers—All Items (seasonally unadjusted) (collectively the “ CPI-U ”) 1 plus 1.5%; provided that Ultimus gives 30-day notice of such increase to the Trust by March 1 of the then-current calendar year. The fee increase will take effect on April 1 of the then-current calendar year. Any CPI–U increases not charged in any given year may be included in prospective CPI-U fee increases in future years.

 

7. Amendment

The parties may only amend this Fee Letter by written amendment signed by both parties.

Signatures are located on the next page.

 

1   Using 1982-84=100 as a base, unless otherwise noted in reports by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

  
  

[ Fund ] Fund Accounting Fee Letter

   Page 3 of 4


Fund Accounting Fee Letter dated             , 2018.

 

  

Valued Advisers Trust

On behalf of              Fund

         Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
By:   

 

      By:   

 

Name:          Name:   
Title:          Title:   

 

  [Adviser]
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

  
  

[ Fund ] Fund Accounting Fee Letter

   Page 4 of 4


Fund Administration Addendum

For

Valued Advisers Trust

This Addendum, dated April 12, 2018, is between Valued Advisers Trust (the “ Trust ”), on behalf of the Funds listed in Scheduled A to the Master Services Agreement, dated April 12, 2018 and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“ Ultimus ”).

Fund Administration Services

 

1. Regulatory Reporting

Ultimus shall provide the Trust with regulatory reporting services, including:

 

  1.1. prepare, in consultation with Trust counsel, and supervise the filing of annual updates to prospectuses and statements of additional information in the Trust’s registration statements;

 

  1.2. prepare and file with the SEC (i) the reports for the Trust on Forms N-CSR, N-Q and N-SAR, (ii) Form N-PX, and (iii) all required notices pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the 1940 Act;

 

  1.3. prepare such reports, notice filing forms and other documents (including reports regarding the sale and redemption of shares of the Trust as may be required in order to comply with federal and state securities law) as may be necessary or desirable to make notice filings relating to the Trust’s shares with state securities authorities, monitor the sale of Trust shares for compliance with state securities laws, and file with the appropriate state securities authorities compliance filings as may be necessary or convenient to enable the Trust to make a continuous offering of its shares; and

 

  1.4. cooperate with, and take all reasonable actions in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, to ensure that the necessary information is made available to the SEC or any other regulatory authority in connection with any regulatory audit of the Trust or any Fund.

 

2. Shareholder Communications

Ultimus shall develop and prepare, with the assistance of the Trust’s investment adviser(s) and other service providers, communications to shareholders, including the annual and semiannual reports to shareholders, coordinate the printing and mailing of prospectuses, notices and other reports to Trust shareholders.

 

3. Corporate Governance

Ultimus shall provide the following services to the Trust and its Funds:

 

  3.1. provide individuals reasonably acceptable to the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “ Board ”) to serve as officers of the Trust, who will be responsible for the management of certain of the Trust’s affairs as determined and under supervision by the Board;

 

  3.2. coordinate the acquisition of and maintain fidelity bonds and directors and officers/errors and omissions insurance policies for the Trust in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and as such bonds and policies are approved by the Board; and

 

  3.3. coordinate meetings of, prepare materials for, attend and write minutes of the Board’s quarterly meetings.


4. Other Services

Ultimus shall provide all necessary office space, equipment, personnel, and facilities for handling the affairs of the Trust; and shall provide such other services as the Trust may reasonably request that Ultimus perform consistent with its obligations under the Master Services Agreement and this Fund Administration Addendum:

 

  4.1. administer contracts on behalf of the Trust with, among others, the Trust’s investment adviser(s), distributor, custodian, transfer agent and fund accountant;

 

  4.2. assist the Trust, each Fund’s investment adviser(s) and the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer in monitoring the Trust and its Funds for compliance with applicable limitations as imposed by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder or set forth in the Trust’s or any Fund’s then current prospectus or statement of additional information;

 

  4.3. perform all reasonable and customary administrative services and functions of the Trust to the extent such administrative services and functions are not provided to the Trust by other agents of the Trust;

 

  4.4. furnish advice and recommendations with respect to other aspects of the business and affairs of the Trust, as the Trust and Ultimus shall determine desirable;

 

  4.5. prepare and maintain the Trust’s operating budget to determine proper expense accruals to be charged to each Fund in order to calculate its daily net asset value;

 

  4.6. prepare, or cause to be prepared, expense and financial reports, including Fund budgets, expense reports, pro-forma financial statements, expense and profit/loss projections and fee waiver/expense reimbursement projections on a periodic basis;

 

  4.7. assist the Fund Company’s independent registered public accounting firms with the preparation and filing of the Fund Company’s tax returns;

 

  4.8. research and calculate the qualified dividend rate for income and short-term capital gain distributions and assist in the production of supplemental tax information letters for each Fund, if applicable;

 

  4.9. research and calculate the qualified dividend rate for income and short term capital gain distributions and assist in the production of supplemental tax information letters for each Fund, if applicable;

 

  4.10. advise the Trust and its Board on matters concerning the Trust and its affairs including making recommendations regarding dividends and distributions;

 

  4.11. administer all disbursements for a Fund; and

 

  4.12. upon request, assist each Fund in the evaluation and selection of other service providers, such as independent public accountants, printers and EDGAR providers.

For special cases, the parties hereto may amend the procedures or services set forth in this Agreement as may be appropriate or practical under the circumstances, and Ultimus may conclusively assume that any special procedure or service which has been approved by the Trust does not conflict with or violate any requirements of its Agreement and Declaration of Trust or then current prospectuses, or any rule, regulation or requirement of any regulatory body.

 

Valued Advisers Trust   

Fund Administration Addendum

  

Dated April 12, 2018

   Page 2 of 3


5. Tax Matters

Ultimus does not provide tax advice. Nothing in the Master Services Agreement or this Fund Administration Addendum shall be construed or have the effect of rendering tax advice. It is important that the Trust or a Fund consult a professional tax advisor regarding its individual tax situation.

 

6. Legal Representation

Notwithstanding any provision of the Master Services Agreement or this Fund Administration Addendum to the contrary, Ultimus will not be obligated to provide legal representation to the Trust or any Fund, including through the use of attorneys that are employees of Ultimus. The Trust acknowledges that in-house Ultimus attorneys exclusively represent Ultimus and rely on outside counsel retained by the Trust to review all services provided by in-house Ultimus attorneys and to provide independent judgment on the Trust’s behalf. The Trust acknowledges that because no attorney-client relationship exists between in-house Ultimus attorneys and the Trust, any information provided to Ultimus attorneys may not be privileged and may be subject to compulsory disclosure under certain circumstances. Ultimus represents that it will maintain the confidentiality of information disclosed to its in-house attorneys on a best efforts basis.

The parties duly executed this Fund Administration Addendum as of April 12, 2018.

 

  

Valued Advisers Trust

On behalf of all Funds listed on Schedule A

to the Master Services Agreement

         Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
By:   

 

      By:   

 

Name:    Carol J. Highsmith       Name:    Gary R. Tenkman
Title:    Vice President and Secretary       Title:    President – Managing Director

 

Valued Advisers Trust   

Fund Administration Addendum

  

Dated April 12, 2018

   Page 3 of 3


Fund Administration Fee Letter

For

             Fund

A series of

Valued Advisers Trust

This Fee Letter applies to the Services provided by Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“ Ultimus ”) to Valued Advisers Trust (the “ Trust ”), on behalf of              Fund (the “ Fund ”), pursuant to the Master Services Agreement, dated April 12, 2018, and the Fund Administration Addendum, dated April 12, 2018.

 

1. Fees

 

  1.1. For the Fund Administration Services provided under the Fund Administration Addendum, Ultimus shall be entitled to receive a fee from the Trust on the first business day following the end of each month, or at such time(s) as Ultimus shall request and the parties hereto shall agree, a fee computed with respect to each Fund as follows:

 

Average Daily Net Assets

   Administration Fee  

Up to $            million

  

$ million to $            million

  

In excess of $            million

  

The fee will be subject to a monthly minimum of $     with respect to each Fund.

 

  1.2. The Fees are computed daily and payable monthly, along with any out-of-pocket expenses. The Trust or Fund agrees to pay all fees within 30 days of receipt of each invoice. Ultimus retains the right to charge interest of 1.5% on any amounts that remain unpaid beyond such 30-day period. Acceptance of such late charge shall in no event constitute a waiver by Ultimus of the Trust’s default or prevent Ultimus from exercising any other rights and remedies available to it.

 

2. Out-Of-Pocket Expenses

In addition to the above fees, the Trust will reimburse Ultimus for certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred on the Trust’s behalf, including but not limited to, travel expenses to attend Board meetings and any other expenses approved by the Trust (or, with respect to a Fund, its investment adviser). The Trust will be responsible for its normal operating expenses, such as federal and state filing fees, EDGARizing fees, insurance premiums, typesetting and printing of the Trust’s public documents, and fees and expenses of the Trust’s other vendors and providers.

 

3. Term

 

  3.1. Initial Term. This Fee Letter shall continue in effect until the expiration of the Master Services Agreement’s Initial Term (the “ Initial Term ”).

 

  3.2. Renewal Terms. Immediately following the Initial Term, this Fee Letter shall automatically renew for successive one    -year periods (each a “ Renewal Term ”).


4. Fee Increases

Ultimus may annually increase the fees listed above by an amount not to exceed the average annual change for the prior calendar year in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers—All Items (seasonally unadjusted) (collectively the “ CPI-U ”) 2 plus 1.5%; provided that Ultimus gives 30-day notice of such increase to the Trust by March 1 of the then-current calendar year. The fee increase will take effect on April 1 of the then-current calendar year. Any CPI-U increases not charged in any given year may be included in prospective CPI-U fee increases in future years.

 

5. Amendment

The parties may only amend this Fee Letter by written amendment signed by both parties.

Fund Administration Fee Letter dated             , 2018.

 

  

Valued Advisers Trust

On behalf of              Fund

         Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
By:   

 

      By:   

 

Name:          Name:   
Title:          Title:   

 

  [Adviser]
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

 

2   Using 1982-84=100 as a base, unless otherwise noted in reports by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

  
  

[ Fund ] Fund Administration Fee Letter

   Page 2 of 2


Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Addendum

For

Valued Advisers Trust

This Addendum, dated April 12, 2018, is between Valued Advisers Trust (the “ Trust ”), on behalf of the Funds listed on Schedule A to the Master Services Agreement, dated April 12, 2018, and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“ Ultimus ”) .

Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services

 

1. Shareholder Transactions

Ultimus shall provide the Trust with shareholder transaction services, including:

 

  1.1. process shareholder purchase, redemption, exchange, and transfer orders in accordance with conditions set forth in the applicable Fund’s prospectus(es) applying all applicable redemption or other miscellaneous fees;

 

  1.2. set up of account information, including address, account designations, dividend and capital gains options, taxpayer identification numbers, banking instructions, automatic investment plans, systematic withdrawal plans and cost basis disposition method,

 

  1.3. assist shareholders making changes to their account information included in 1.2;

 

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

 

  1.5. issue quarterly statements for shareholders, interested parties, broker firms, branch offices and registered representatives;

 

  1.6. act as a service agent and process income dividend and capital gains distributions, including the purchase of new shares, through dividend reimbursement and appropriate application of backup withholding, non-resident alien withholding and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“ FATCA ”) withholding;

 

  1.7. 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 issued and outstanding;

 

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

 

  1.9. provide cost basis reporting to shareholders on covered shares (shares purchased after 1/1/2012), as required;

 

  1.10. withholding taxes on non-resident alien accounts, pension accounts and in accordance with state requirements;

 

  1.11. produce, print, mail and file U.S. Treasury Department Forms 1099 and other appropriate forms required by federal authorities with respect to distributions for shareholders;

 

  1.12. administer and perform all other customary services of a transfer agent, including, but not limited to, answering routine customer inquiries regarding shares; and

 

Valued Advisers Trust   

Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Addendum

  

Dated April 12, 2018

   Page 1 of 4


  1.13. process all standing instruction orders (Automatic Investment Plans (“ AIPs ”) and Systematic Withdrawal Plan (“ SWPs ”)) including the debit of shareholder bank information for automatic purchases.

 

2. Shareholder Information Services

Ultimus shall provide the Trust with shareholder information services, including:

 

  2.1. make information available to shareholder servicing unit and other remote access units regarding trade date, share price, current holdings, yields, and dividend information;

 

  2.2. produce detailed history of transactions through duplicate or special order statements upon request;

 

  2.3. provide mailing labels for distribution of financial reports, prospectuses, proxy statements or marketing material to current shareholders; and

 

  2.4. respond as appropriate to all inquiries and communications from shareholders relating to shareholder accounts.

 

3. Compliance Reporting

 

  3.1. AML Reporting. Ultimus agrees to provide anti-money laundering services to the Trust’s direct shareholders and to operate the Trust’s customer identification program for these shareholders, in each case in accordance with the written procedures developed by Ultimus and adopted or approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “ Board ”) and with applicable law and regulations.

 

  3.2. Regulatory Reporting. Ultimus agrees to provide reports to the federal and applicable state authorities, including the SEC, and to the Funds’ Auditors. Applicable state authorities are those governmental agencies located in states in which the Fund is registered to sell shares.

 

  3.3. IRS Reporting. Ultimus will prepare and distribute appropriate Internal Revenue Service (“ IRS ”) forms for shareholder income and capital gains (including the calculation of qualified income), sale of fund shares, distributions from retirement accounts and education savings accounts, fair market value reporting on IRAs, contributions, rollovers and conversions to IRAs and education savings accounts and required minimum distribution notifications and issue tax withholding reports to the IRS.

 

  3.4. Market Timing Reports. Ultimus will provide quarterly market timing reports for each Fund.

 

  3.5. Pay-to-Play Reports. Ultimus will provide quarterly reporting for Fund accounts subject to pay-to-play rules.

 

4. Dealer/Load Processing

For each fund with a share class that charges a sales load (either front-end or back-end), Ultimus will:

 

  4.1. provide reports for tracking rights of accumulation and purchases made under a Letter of Intent;

 

  4.2. account for separation of shareholder investments from transaction sale charges for purchase of Fund shares;

 

Valued Advisers Trust   

Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Addendum

  

Dated April 12, 2018

   Page 2 of 4


  4.3. calculate fees due under Rule 12b-1 plans for distribution and marketing expenses;

 

  4.4. track sales and commission statistics by dealer and provide for payment of commissions on direct shareholder purchases; and

 

  4.5. applying appropriate Front End Sales Load (“ FESL ”) breakpoint and Contingent Deferred Sales Charges (“ CDSCs ”) automatically during trade processing.

 

5. Shareholder Account Maintenance

For each direct shareholder account, Ultimus agrees to perform the following services:

 

  5.1. maintain all shareholder records for each account in each Fund;

 

  5.2. as dividend disbursing agent, on or before the payment date of any dividend or distribution, notify the Fund’s custodian of the estimated amount of cash required to pay such dividend or distribution; prepare and distribute to shareholders any funds to which they are entitled by reason of any dividend or distribution and in the case of shareholders entitled to receive additional shares of the Fund by reason of any such dividend or distribution, make appropriate credit to their respective accounts and prepare and mail to such shareholders a confirmation statement with respect to such shares;

 

  5.3. issue customer statements on a scheduled cycle, and provide duplicate second and third party copies if required;

 

  5.4. record shareholder account information changes; and

 

  5.5. maintain account documentation files for each shareholder.

 

6. Other Services

 

  6.1. Ultimus shall perform other services for the Trust that are mutually agreed upon in a writing signed by the parties for mutually agreed fees, if any, and all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Ultimus; provided, however that the Trust may retain third parties to perform such other services. These services may include performing internal audit examination; mailing the annual reports of the Funds; preparing an annual list of shareholders; and mailing notices of shareholders’ meetings, proxies, and proxy statements.

 

  6.2. For special cases, the parties hereto may amend the procedures or services set forth in this Agreement as may be appropriate or practical under the circumstances, and Ultimus may conclusively assume that any special procedure or service which has been approved by the Trust does not conflict with or violate any requirements of its Agreement and Declaration of Trust or then current prospectuses, or any rule, regulation or requirement of any regulatory body.

 

7. National Securities Clearing Corporation Processing

Ultimus will:

 

  7.1. process accounts through Networking and the purchase, redemption, transfer and exchange of shares in such accounts through Fund/SERV (Networking and Fund/SERV being programs operated by the National Securities Clearing Corporation (the “ NSCC ”) on behalf of NSCC’s participants, including the Trust), in accordance with, instructions transmitted to and received by Ultimus by transmission from NSCC on behalf of broker-dealers and banks which have been established by, or in accordance with the instructions of authorized persons, as hereinafter defined on the dealer file maintained by Ultimus;

 

Valued Advisers Trust   

Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Addendum

  

Dated April 12, 2018

   Page 3 of 4


  7.2. issue instructions to each Fund’s custodian for the settlement of transactions between the Fund and NSCC (acting on behalf of its broker-dealer and bank participants);

 

  7.3. provide account and transaction information from the affected Trust’s records on an appropriate computer system in accordance with NSCC’s Networking and Fund/SERV rules for those broker-dealers; and

 

  7.4. maintain shareholder accounts through Networking.

 

8. Tax Matters

Ultimus does not provide tax advice. Nothing in the Master Services Agreement or this Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Addendum shall be construed or have the effect of rendering tax advice. It is important that the Trust or a Fund consult a professional tax advisor regarding its individual tax situation.

The parties duly executed this Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Addendum as of April 12, 2018.

 

  

Valued Advisers Trust

On behalf of all Funds listed on Schedule A

to the Master Services Agreement

         Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
By:   

 

      By:   

 

Name:    Carol J. Highsmith       Name:    Gary R. Tenkman
Title:    Vice President and Secretary       Title:    President – Managing Director

 

Valued Advisers Trust   

Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Addendum

  

Dated April 12, 2018

   Page 4 of 4


Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Fee Letter

For

             Fund

A series of

Valued Advisers Trust

This Fee Letter applies to the Services provided by Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“ Ultimus ”) to Valued Advisers Trust (the “ Trust ”), on behalf of              Fund (the “ Fund ”), pursuant to the Master Services Agreement, dated April 12, 2018, and the Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Addendum, dated April 12, 2018.

 

1. Fees

 

  1.1. For the Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services provided under the Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Addendum, Ultimus shall be entitled to receive a fee from the Trust on the first business day following the end of each month, or at such time(s) as Ultimus shall request and the parties hereto shall agree, a fee computed with respect to each Fund as follows:

 

Annual fee per open shareholder account:

  

Direct Accounts

     $             per account  

NSCC Fund/Serve Accounts

     $             per account  

IRA Maintenance Fee (if applicable)

     Additional $             per account  

Annual fee per closed shareholder account

     $             per closed account  

Web inquiry access (if applicable)

  

Initial set-up fee

     $             per fund  

Annual fee

     $             per fund  

Minimum fee per year for open and closed accounts in the aggregate

  

For each fund or share class in a multi-class fund with more than shareholders

     $             per year  

For each fund or share class in a multi-class fund with more than shareholders but less than shareholders

     $             per year  

For each fund or share class in a multi-class fund with less than     shareholders

     $             per year  

- OR -

 

Base Annual Fee

  

First Class

   $ per fund  

Each Additional Class

   $ per class  

Annual fee per open shareholder account

   $ per open account  

Annual IRA maintenance fee (if applicable)

   Additional $ per account  

Annual fee per closed shareholder account

   $              per closed account  


Web inquiry access (if applicable)   

Initial set-up fee

   $              per fund  

Annual fee

   $ per fund  
Minimum fee per year for open and closed accounts in the aggregate   

For each fund or share class in a multi-class fund with more than         shareholders

   $ per year  

For each fund or share class in a multi-class fund with more than         shareholders but less than         shareholders

   $ per year  

For each fund or share class in a multi-class fund with less than         shareholders

   $              per year  

 

  1.2. The Fees are computed daily and payable monthly, along with any out-of-pocket expenses. The Fund agrees to pay all fees within 30 days of receipt of each invoice. Ultimus retains the right to charge interest of 1.5% on any amounts that remain unpaid beyond such 30-day period. Acceptance of such late charge shall in no event constitute a waiver by Ultimus of the Trust’s default or prevent Ultimus from exercising any other rights and remedies available to it.

 

2. Out-Of-Pocket Expenses

In addition to the above fees, each Fund will reimburse Ultimus or pay directly certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred on the Fund’s behalf, including but not limited to, postage, confirmations, statements, printing, telephone lines, Internet access fees, bank service charges, fund specific Fund/Serv and Networking costs, and other industry standard transfer agent expenses.

 

3. Term

 

  3.1. Initial Term. This Fee Letter shall continue in effect until the expiration of the Master Services Agreement’s Initial Term (the “ Initial Term ”).

 

  3.2. Renewal Terms. Immediately following the Initial Term, this Fee Letter shall automatically renew for successive     -year periods (each a “ Renewal Term ”).

 

4. Fee Increases

Ultimus may annually increase the fees listed above by an amount not to exceed the average annual change for the prior calendar year in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers—All Items (seasonally unadjusted) (collectively the “ CPI-U ”) 3 plus 1.5%; provided that Ultimus gives 30-day notice of such increase to the Trust by March 1 of the then-current calendar year. The fee increase will take effect on April 1 of the then-current calendar year. Any CPI-U increases not charged in any given year may be included in prospective CPI-U fee increases in future years.

 

 

3   Using 1982-84=100 as a base, unless otherwise noted in reports by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

  
  

[ Fund ] Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Fee Letter

   Page 2 of 3


5. Amendment

The parties may only amend this Fee Letter by written amendment signed by both parties.

Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Fee Letter dated             , 2018.

 

  

Valued Advisers Trust

On behalf of              Fund

         Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
By:   

 

      By:   

 

Name:          Name:   
Title:          Title:   

 

  [Adviser]
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

  
  

[ Fund ] Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Fee Letter

   Page 3 of 3

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST

EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into effective as of March 15, 2018 by and between Valued Advisers Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of one or more of its series portfolios as set forth on Schedule A , (each a “Fund”), and Belmont Capital, LLC dba Belmont Capital Group (the “Adviser”), a California limited liability company.

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

WHEREAS, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Adviser have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement dated March 15, 2018 (“Advisory Agreement”), pursuant to which the Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Fund; and

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

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

 

1. EXPENSE LIMITATION .

 

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

 

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

 

   1    Expense Limitation Agreement


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

 

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

 

2. REIMBURSEMENT OF FEE WAIVERS AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS .

 

  (a) Reimbursement . The Adviser retains its right to receive reimbursement of any excess expense payments paid by it pursuant to this Agreement in the three years following the date the particular expense payment occurred, but only if such reimbursement can be achieved without exceeding the applicable Operating Expense Limit in effect at the time of the expense payment or the reimbursement (the “Reimbursement Amount”).

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

3. TERM, MODIFICATION AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT .

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

 

   2    Expense Limitation 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 Trust’s Declaration of Trust or Bylaws, or any applicable statutory or regulatory requirement to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trust’s Board of Trustees of its responsibility for and control of the conduct of the affairs of the Trust or the Fund.

 

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

Signature Page to Follow

 

   3    Expense Limitation Agreement


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

 

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
/s/ Carol J. Highsmith
                    Signature
Vice President and Secretary
                    Title

BELMONT CAPITAL, LLC

dba BELMONT CAPITAL GROUP

/s/ Daniel Beckwith
                    Signature
Managing Partner
                    Title

 

   4    Expense Limitation Agreement


Schedule A

to the

Expense Limitation Agreement

between

Valued Advisers Trust (the “Trust”)

and

Belmont Capital, LLC dba Belmont Capital Group (the “Adviser”)

Dated as of March 15, 2018

 

Fund

   Operating Expense Limit     Effective Date      Expiration Date  

Belmont Theta Income Fund

     1.99     *        May 31, 2020  

 

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

 

   A-1    Expense Limitation Agreement
LOGO    

John H. Lively

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

A member firm of The 1940 Act Law Group TM

11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310

Leawood, KS 66211

Phone: 913.660.0778    Fax: 913.660.9157

john.lively@1940actlawgroup.com

April 16, 2018

Valued Advisers Trust

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

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

Ladies and Gentlemen:

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

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

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

As to any facts or questions of fact material to the opinions set forth below, we have relied exclusively upon the aforesaid documents and/or upon representations, declarations and/or other information that we have deemed relevant and that has been provided by the officers or other representatives of the Trust. We have made no independent investigation whatsoever as to such factual matters. We have accepted, without independent verification, the genuineness of all signatures (whether original or photostatic), the legal capacity of all natural persons at all relevant times, and the authenticity of all documents we have obtained as conforming to authentic original documents, and the accuracy of all certificates of public officials. Any references to “our knowledge,” or words of similar import, shall mean the conscious awareness, as to the existence or absence of any facts that would contradict the opinions so expressed, of those attorneys of our organization who have rendered substantive


Valued Advisers Trust

April 16, 2018

 

attention to the matter to which this opinion relates. Other than as set forth herein, we have not undertaken, for purposes of this opinion, any independent investigation to determine the existence or the absence of such facts, and no inference as to our knowledge of the existence or absence of such facts should be drawn from the fact of our representation of the Trust. Moreover, we have not searched the dockets of any court, administrative body, agency or other filing office in any jurisdiction.

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

We express no opinion as to any other matters other than as expressly set forth above and no other opinion is intended or may be inferred herefrom. The opinions expressed herein are given as of the date hereof and we undertake no obligation and hereby disclaim any obligation to advise you of any change after the date of this opinion pertaining to any matter referred to herein.

 

LOGO


Valued Advisers Trust

April 16, 2018

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

/s/ John H. Lively

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

 

LOGO

LOGO

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the references to our firm in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Belmont Theta Income Fund, a series of Valued Advisers Trust, under the heading “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Statement of Additional Information.

 

LOGO

Cohen & Company, Ltd.

Cleveland, Ohio

April 13, 2018

COHEN & COMPANY, LTD.

800.229.1099 | 866.818.4538 fax | cohencpa.com

Registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board

2.0 CODE OF ETHICS

Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act requires BCG to establish, maintain and enforce a written code of ethics that includes: 1 . Standards of business conduct that are required of Access Persons; 2 . Provisions that require compliance with applicable Federal securities laws; 3 . Provisions that require Access Persons to report their personal securities transactions and holdings; 4 . Provisions requiring Access Persons to report any violations of the code of ethics to the CCO; and 5 . Provisions requiring that each Access Person is provided with a copy of the code of ethics and any amendments, and requiring Access Persons to provide a written acknowledgement of their receipt of the code of ethics.

In order to ensure that officers and employees of BCG comply with their fiduciary duties, BCG has adopted this Code of Ethics (the “Code”). The Code of Ethics is predicated on the principle that BCG owes a fiduciary duty to Clients. Accordingly, Access Persons must avoid activities, interests and relationships that run contrary (or appear to run contrary) to the best interests of Clients. At all times, BCG and its employees must:

 

    Place client interests first - As a fiduciary, BCG must serve in its Clients’ best interests and may not benefit at the expense of Clients.

 

    Be in full compliance with BCG’s Code of Ethics - Employees must review and abide by BCG’s Code of Ethics and its constituent policies.

The success of BCG as a provider of investment management services depends upon its reputation for excellence and integrity in the investment marketplace. Access Persons must therefore act in accordance with the highest ethical standards and comply with applicable Federal securities laws.

In addition, the activities BCG and its personnel must comply with the broad antifraud provisions of Section 206 of the Advisers Act, and personal securities transactions must generally be reported under Rule 204-2 of the Advisers Act. Rule 204-2 requires that BCG keeps a record of every transaction in a security in which BCG or any Access Person has, or by reason of the transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership, except under certain circumstances.

The Code includes specific provisions with which all Access Persons must comply. However, compliance with these technical provisions alone will not be sufficient to insulate from scrutiny actions or behavior which show a pattern of abuse of the individual’s responsibilities. All Access Persons are expected to abide by the spirit of the Code and the principles articulated herein.

Any violations of the Code of Ethics shall be subject to the imposition of sanctions, including but not limited to a letter of censure, suspension or termination of employment. Access Persons are required to report any violations of the Code promptly to the CCO. The CCO shall record of any violation of the Code, and any action taken as a result in the BCG Compliance Issue Log.

Access Persons are required to read and sign the BCG Code of Ethics and Compliance Policies  & Procedures Acknowledgement Form , thereby acknowledging the receipt and understanding of the contents of this manual. Any questions with respect to BCG’s Code of Ethics should be directed to the CCO.

BCG’s Code of Ethics consists of: 1 . Personal Trading Policy; 2 . Insider Trading Policy; 3 . Policy on Outside Affiliations; and 4 . Gifts Policy.


2.1 Personal Trading Policy

BCG has adopted a Personal Trading Policy relating to personal securities transactions that, combined with the other provisions of the Code of Ethics, is intended to satisfy the applicable requirements of Section 206, Rule 204A-1 and Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act.

The Personal Trading Policy establishes standards and procedures for the detection and prevention of activities by which personnel of BCG having knowledge of the investments and investment intentions of BCG with respect to any Client may abuse their fiduciary duties, and deals with the types of conflict of interest situations that the federal securities laws address. BCG’s Personal Trading Policy is based on the principle that the Access Persons of BCG owe a fiduciary duty to Clients to conduct personal securities transactions in a manner that does not interfere with Client transactions or otherwise take unfair advantage of their relationship with Clients. The Personal Trading Policy requires that all of BCG’s Access Persons adhere to this general principle as well as comply with all of the specific provisions of the Personal Trading Policy that are applicable to them.

BCG’s Access Persons must obtain Pre-Approval before directly or indirectly acquiring Beneficial Ownership in any securities in an Initial Public Offering, a Private Placement or a Limited Offering.

It is the express policy of BCG that no Access Person may purchase or sell any security prior to a transaction(s) being implemented for a Client’s account during the same day unless such transactions are at a price equal to or inferior to the price obtained by Clients, and therefore, preventing such employees from benefiting from transactions placed on behalf of Client accounts.

The Personal Trading Policy requires that all information concerning the securities being considered for purchase or sale on behalf of a Client be kept confidential by Access Persons and disclosed by them only on a “need to know” basis unless and until all such information is disclosed in a public report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in the normal course.

A. Personal Securities Accounts

This Code applies to all “Personal Securities Accounts.” These include:

 

  1. Accounts in the Access Person’s name or accounts in which the Access Person has a direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership;

 

  2. Accounts in the name of the Access Person’s spouse;

 

  3. Accounts in the name of children under the age of 18, whether or not living with the Access Person, and accounts in the name of relatives or other individuals living with the Access Person or for whose support the Access Person is wholly or partially responsible (together with the Access Person’s spouse and minor children, “Related Persons”);

 

  4. Accounts in which the Access Person or any Related Person directly or indirectly controls, participates in, or has the right to control or participate in, investment decisions;

 

  5. Accounts that hold either shares of open-end mutual funds bought or sold through a broker-dealer or other intermediary or closed-end funds. Note: closed-end funds are subject to the Pre-Approval and other restrictions of this policy;

 

  6. state or trust accounts in which an Access Person or Related Person has a Beneficial Ownership, but no power to affect investment decisions. There must be no communication between the account(s) and the Access Person or Related Person with regard to investment decisions prior to execution. Note: Pre-Approval is not required for these accounts but statements must be provided to BCG; and


  7. Accounts that do not include cash bank accounts but do include any brokerage account that holds cash if it could hold securities (even if it does not hold securities at the present time).

Note: Access Persons with accounts managed by BCG (including on behalf of Related Persons) are Personal Security Accounts.

B. Beneficial Ownership

Access Persons are considered to have “Beneficial Ownership” of securities if they have or share a direct or indirect “Pecuniary Interest” in the securities. Access Persons have a “Pecuniary Interest” in securities if they have the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the securities.

The following are examples of an indirect Pecuniary Interest in securities:

 

  1. Securities held by members of your immediate family sharing the same household; however, this presumption may be rebutted by convincing evidence that profits derived from transactions in these securities will not provide you with any economic benefit. “Immediate family” means any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-aw, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, any significant other covered by an employee benefits plan, and any child covered by an adoptive relationship.

 

  2. Your interest as a general partner in securities held by a general or limited partnership.

 

  3. Your interest as a manager-member in the securities held by a limited liability company.

Access Persons do not have an indirect Pecuniary Interest in securities held by a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity in which they hold an equity interest, unless they are a controlling equity-holder or have or share investment control over the securities held by the entity.

The foregoing is a summary of the meaning of “beneficial ownership”. For purposes of the attached Code, “beneficial ownership” shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be in determining whether a person is subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

C. Covered Securities

For the purpose for complying with BCG’s Personal Trading Policy, pursuant to Rule 204A- 1(e)(10), Reportable Securities means a security as defined in Section 202(a)(18) of the Advisers Act:

Stocks, bonds, shares of registered closed-end mutual funds, debentures, and other evidences


of indebtedness, including senior debt, subordinated debt, investment contracts, commodity contracts, futures and all derivative instruments such as options, and warrants, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a security. “Covered Security” includes Reportable Securities and instruments that are “related” to Reportable Securities because its value is derived from the value of Reportable Securities (e.g., indexed funds and Exchange Traded Funds).

The definition of Covered Security does not include: (i) U.S. Treasury obligations; mortgage pass-throughs (e.g., Ginnie Maes) that are direct obligations of the U.S. government; (ii) bankers’ acceptances; bank certificates of deposit; commercial paper; and high quality short- term debt instruments including repurchase agreements; (iii) shares issued by a money market fund; (iv) shares issued by open-end funds; and (v) shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds.

D. Exempt Transactions

The following transactions are considered exempt transactions:

 

    Any transactions occurring in an account that is managed by BCG according to one of BCG’s investment strategies;

 

    Any transactions occurring in an account that is managed on a fully-discretionary basis by an unaffiliated investment manager;

 

    Acquisitions or dispositions of securities as a result of a stock dividend, stock split, or other corporation actions;

 

    Any transaction in an account over which the Access Person does not have any direct or indirect influence or control;

 

    Purchases of securities in Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs); and

 

    Purchases of securities by the exercise of rights issued to holders of a class of securities on a pro-rata basis.

E. Acknowledgement and Reporting

 

  1. Within 10 days of becoming an Access Person, such Access Person must submit to the Chief Compliance Officer the BCG Code of Ethics and Compliance Policies  & Procedures Acknowledgement Form which confirms that he/she has received a copy of this Code, and that he/she has read and understood its provisions.

 

  2. Within 10 days of becoming an Access Person, all BCG personnel must submit to the Chief Compliance Officer a statement of all Covered Securities in which such Access Person has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership as of the date of becoming an Access Person. This statement must include (i) the title, number of shares and principal amount of each security, (ii) the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintained an account in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of such Access Person and (iii) the date of submission by the Access Person. Such information should be provided using the BCG Personal Securities Holdings Initial Report .

 

  3. Within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter, each Access Person shall submit a report to the Chief Compliance Officer of all personal securities transactions in Covered Securities in which such Access Person has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership.


This report must include (i) date of transaction, the title and exchange symbol / CUSIP, number of shares and principal amount of each security; (ii) the nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition); (iii) the price of the security at which the transaction was effected; (iv) the name of any broker, dealer or bank with or through which the transaction was effected; and (v) the date of submission by the Access Person. Such information should be provided using the BCG Personal Securities Transactions Report form. Access Persons may arrange that the CCO will receive duplicate trade confirmations and monthly account statements for the account(s) of each Access Person and Related Person. Access Persons must also report any transactions not covered in such statements within 30 days after the transaction occurred. Pursuant to Rule 204A-1(b)(3)(iii), a quarterly securities transaction report need not to be submitted if the required information is contained in the monthly account statements.

 

  4. Within 45 days of each year-ending, each Access Person shall submit an annual report to the Chief Compliance Officer with holdings information as of December 31st. This statement must include: (i) all holdings in Covered Securities in which the person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership; and (ii) the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the person maintains an account in which any Covered Securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person or Related Persons. Such information should be provided using the BCG Personal Securities Holdings Annual Report form.

 

  5. All Access Persons are required to certify annually that they have: (i) read and understand this Code and recognize that they are subject to its terms and conditions; (ii) complied with the requirements of this Code; and (iii) disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported pursuant to this Code.

 

  6. Pursuant to Rule 204-2(a)(13)(ii), the CCO shall maintain the BCG Access Person Log by recording the names of persons who are currently, or within the past five years were, an Access Person of BCG.

F. Pre-Approval Procedures

Access Persons must submit the BCG Personal Trading Pre-Approval Form and have written approval before non-exempt transactions for Personal Securities Accounts are placed which meet the following criteria:

 

    Any Covered Security

 

    Initial Public Offerings

 

    Private Placements

 

    Limited Offerings

BCG reserves the right to disapprove any proposed transaction that may have the appearance of improper conduct. Access Person should complete BCG’s Pre-Approval Form. All Pre-Approval requests must be submitted to the CCO, while the CCO shall submit Pre-Approval requests for his/her personal transactions to Daniel Beckwith, Managing Partner. Once Pre-Approval is granted to an Access Person, such Access Person may only transact in that security for the remainder of the trading day.


G. Confidentiality

All information obtained from any person pursuant to this Code shall be kept in strict confidence, except that such information will be made available to the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory or self-regulatory organization to the extent required by law, regulation or this Code.

H. Sanctions

BCG may impose sanctions that are designed to discourage its Access Persons from violating the Personal Securities Transaction Policy. In general, these sanctions are as follows, but may be more severe based on the circumstances:

 

    1 st Violation : Verbal Warning;

 

    2 nd Violation : Written warning;

 

    3 rd Violation : Suspension and/or termination of employment.

I. Retention of Records

All records relating to personal securities transactions hereunder and other records meeting the requirements of applicable law, including a copy of this Code and any other policies covering the subject matter hereof, shall be maintained in the manner and to the extent required by applicable law, including Rules 204A-1 and 204-2 under the Advisers Act.

The CCO shall be responsible for administering Personal Securities Transaction Policy. All questions regarding the policy should be directed to the CCO.

J. Amendments

Unless otherwise noted herein, this Code shall become effective as to all Access Persons on February 6, 2015. This Code may be amended as to Access Persons from time to time by BCG.

K. Disclosure

BCG shall describe the Codes of Ethics to Clients in Part 2 of Form ADV and, upon request, furnish Clients with a copy of the Code of Ethics. All Client requests for BCG’s Code of Ethics shall be directed to the CCO.

2.2 Insider Trading Policy

BCG has adopted policies and procedures to prevent violations of Federal securities laws pursuant to Section 204A-1 of the Advisers Act. “Insider trading” is a usually associate with illegal conduct. But the term actually includes both legal and illegal conduct. The legal version is when corporate insiders (e.g. officers, directors, and employees) buy and sell stock in their own companies. When corporate insiders trade in their own securities, they must report their trades to the SEC.

Illegal insider trading refers generally to buying or selling a security, in breach of a fiduciary duty or other relationship of trust, while in possession of material, non-public information about the security. Insider trading violations may also include “tipping” such information, securities trading by the person “tipped”, and securities trading by those who misappropriate such information.


Examples of insider trading cases that have been brought by the SEC are cases against:

 

    Corporate officers, directors, and employees who traded the corporation’s securities after learning of significant, confidential corporate developments;

 

    Friends, business associates, family members, and other “tippees” of such officers, directors, and employees, who traded the securities after receiving such information;

 

    Employees of law, banking, brokerage and printing firms who were given such information to provide services to the corporation whose securities they traded;

 

    Government employees who learned of such information because of their employment by the government; and

 

    Other persons who misappropriated, and took advantage of, confidential information from their employers.

Because insider trading undermines investor confidence in the fairness and integrity of the securities markets, the SEC has treated the detection and prosecution of insider trading violations as one of its enforcement priorities. Set forth below is the policy that BCG has adopted which forbids the use or disclosure, for direct or indirect personal gain or profit, of material, non-public information received in connection with the business of BCG or from any source.

A. Whom Does the Policy Cover?

This policy covers Access Persons and Related Persons, as well as trusts or corporations directly or indirectly controlled by Access Persons. In addition, this policy applies to transactions engaged in by corporations in which an Access Person is an officer, director or 10% or greater stockholder and a partnership of which the Access Person is a partner unless the Access Person has no direct or indirect control over the partnership.

B. What Information is Material?

Individuals may not be held liable for trading on non-public information unless the information is material. “Material information” is generally defined as information for which there is a substantial likelihood that an investor would consider it important in making his or her investment decisions, or information that is reasonably certain to have a substantial effect on the price of a company’s securities.

Advance knowledge of the following types of information is generally regarded as “material”:

 

    Dividend or earnings announcements;

 

    Write-downs or write-offs of assets;

 

    Additions to reserves for bad debts or contingent liabilities;

 

    Expansion or curtailment of company or major division operations;

 

    Merger, acquisition, disposition, or joint venture announcements;

 

    New product/service vice announcements;

 

    Discovery or research developments;

 

    Criminal, civil and government investigations and indictments;

 

    Pending labor disputes;

 

    Debt service or liquidity problems;


    Bankruptcy or insolvency problems; and

 

    Tender offers, stock repurchase plans, recapitalizations or other proposed capital share transactions.

Information provided by a company could be material because of its expected effect on a particular class of a company’s securities, all of the company’s securities, the securities of another company, or the securities of several companies. The misuse of material non-public information applies to all types of securities, including equity, debt, commercial paper, government securities and options.

Material information does not have to relate to a company’s business. For example, material information about the contents of an upcoming newspaper column may affect the price of a security, and therefore be considered material.

C. What Information is Non-Public?

In order for issues concerning insider trading to arise, information must not only be material, but also non-public. “Non-public” information generally means information that has not been available to the investing public.

Once material, non-public information has been effectively distributed to the investing public, it is no longer classified as material, non-public information. However, the distribution of non- public information must occur through commonly recognized channels for the classification to change. In addition, the information must not only be publicly disclosed, there must be adequate time for the public to receive and digest the information. Every situation must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to see if an adequate amount of time has passed. Access Persons must consult with the CCO to make this determination. Lastly, non-public information does not change to public information solely by selective dissemination.

Access Persons must be aware that even where there is no expectation of confidentiality, a person may become an insider upon receiving material, non-public information. Whether the “tip” made to the person makes him/her a “tippee” depends on whether the corporate insider expects to benefit personally, either directly or indirectly, from the disclosure.

The “benefit” is not limited to a present or future monetary gain; it could be a reputational benefit or an expectation of a quid pro quo from the recipient by a gift of the information. Access Persons may also become insiders or tippees if they obtain material, non-public information by happenstance, at social gatherings, by overhearing conversations, etc.

D. Prohibited Communications and Transactions

Access Persons are prohibited from communicating material, non-public information concerning any security to others unless such communication is properly within their duties for BCG. Without limiting the foregoing, such persons may not disclose, except as required by their duties for BCG, the identity of securities which BCG may purchase or sell for Clients.

Access Persons are prohibited from engaging in any securities transaction, for their own benefit or the benefit of others, while in possession of:

 

    Material, non-public information concerning such securities which is known to the any person by virtue of his or her position as an insider with respect to the issuer of such securities or through such person’s association with BCG;


    Material, non-public information concerning such securities where the information has been obtained by any person either through theft or misappropriation, or from an insider who has breached their fiduciary duty by disclosing the information to any person who knows, or should know that a fiduciary duty has been breached.

The term “insider” includes officers, directors and employees of a company. In addition, a person can be a “temporary insider” if he or she enters into a special confidential relationship in the conduct of a company’s affairs and as a result is given access to information solely for the company’s purposes. Temporary insiders can include, among others, a company’s attorneys, accountants, consultants, advisers, bank lending officers, and the employees of such organizations.

A “fiduciary duty” is breached by an insider when the insider personally will benefit, directly or indirectly, from his or her disclosure of material, non-public information.

The prohibited benefit would include pecuniary gain, a reputational benefit that could translate into future earnings, a relationship between the insider and the recipient that suggests a quid pro quo from the recipient, or an intention to benefit the particular recipient. An intention to benefit a particular recipient includes a situation in which an insider makes a “gift” of confidential information to a relative or friend who trades in securities.

E. Penalties

Penalties for trading on or communicating material, non-public information in violation of the law are severe, both for the individuals involved in such unlawful conduct and, possibly, their employers. A person who violates the prohibition against insider trading can be subject to some or all of the penalties below, even if he or she does not personally benefit from the violation. Penalties include:

 

    Civil Injunctions;

 

    Treble Damages;

 

    Disgorgement of Profits;

 

    Jail Sentences;

 

    Fines for the person who committed the violation of up to three times the profit gained or loss avoided, whether or not the person actually benefited; and

 

    Fines for the employer or other controlling person of up to the greater of $1,000,000 or three times the amount of the profit gained or loss avoided.

In addition, any violation of this policy can be expected to result in serious sanctions by BCG, including dismissal of the persons involved.

F. Procedures to Implement Policy

The following procedures have been established to aid Access Persons in avoiding insider trading, and to assist BCG in preventing, detecting and imposing sanctions against such conduct. Every Access Person must follow these procedures or risk serious sanctions, including dismissal, substantial personal liability and criminal penalties. Any questions about these procedures should be directed to the CCO. Interpretive issues which arise under these procedures shall be decided by, and are subject to the discretion of the CCO.


Before Access Persons trade for themselves or others in securities of a company about which they have or may have potential inside information, they should ask themselves the following questions:

 

  1. Is the information material? Is this information that an investor would consider important in making his or her investment decisions? Is this information that would substantially affect the market price of the securities if generally disclosed?

 

  2. Is the information non-public? From whom have they received the information? Has this information been communicated by an insider in breach of his or her fiduciary duties? Have they received this information for corporate purposes only by virtue of their position as an insider? Has the information been made available to the general public?

If, after consideration of the above, Access Persons are unsure whether they may be in violation of the law by disseminating or acting on the information they should:

 

  1. Report the matter immediately to the CCO;

 

  2. Refrain from the purchase or sale of the securities on behalf of themselves or others;

 

  3. Refrain from communicating the information either inside or outside of BCG, other than to the CCO;

 

  4. Wait for instructions from the CCO.

Once the CCO has reviewed the issue, they will be instructed to continue the prohibitions against trading and communication, or they will be allowed to trade and/or communicate the information.

G. Restrictions on Access to Material Non-Public Information

Information in the possession of Access Persons which has been identified as material, non-public information disseminated or used for BCG’s business purposes may not be communicated to anyone, including persons within BCG, except as may be required in the performance of duties on behalf of BCG. In addition, care should be taken so that such information is secure. For example, files containing such information should be sealed, and access to computer files containing such information should be restricted by access codes, so that only those persons whose duties for BCG require such information shall have access thereto. Confidential matters, such as the identity of securities which may be purchased or sold by BCG or its Clients, should not be discussed in public places.

Except in the performance of duties for BCG, Access Persons should not use or discuss information as to which securities BCG intends to purchase or sell for its Clients’ accounts.

2.3 Policy on Outside Affiliations

BCG’s Access Persons are not required to be employed with BCG as their sole and exclusive business. BCG’s Access Persons may have other business interests and may participate in other investments or activities in addition to those relating to the BCG. All other business activities, whether paid or unpaid, must be reported to the CCO.


Each year-end, BCG’s Access Persons will submit to the CCO a BCG Outside Affiliation Attestation Form which documents the nature of any other business activities. The CCO will assess if such outside business activities are required to be disclosed, and is responsible for any disclosures if required. Outside business activities are required to be disclosed if it consumes more than 10% of an individual’s time during trading hours or comprise more than 10% of their income. Outside business activities are also required to be disclosed if they create an inherent conflict of interest.

2.4 Gifts Policy

The following provisions on gifts apply to Access Persons:

A. Accepting Gifts

On occasion, because of their position with BCG, Access Persons may be offered or may receive, without notice, gifts from Clients, brokers, vendors or other persons. Acceptance of extraordinary or extravagant gifts is prohibited. Any such gifts must be declined and returned in order to protect the reputation and integrity of BCG. Gifts of nominal value (i.e., a gift whose reasonable value, alone or in the aggregate, is not more than $100 in any twelve month period), customary business meals, entertainment (e.g., sporting events), and promotional items (i.e., pens, mugs, T-shirts) may be accepted. All gifts received by an Access Person that might violate this Code must be promptly reported to the CCO.

B. Solicitation of Gifts

Access Persons are prohibited from soliciting gifts of any size under any circumstances.

C. Giving Gifts

Access Persons may not give any gift with a value in excess of $100 (per year) to a Client or persons who does business with, regulate, advise or render professional services to BCG.

D. Gifts Accepted or Given Log

Each year-end, each Access Person will submit to the CCO a BCG Gifts Accepted or Given Attestation Form which documents gifts accepted or given during the past 12 months. The CCO shall maintain the BCG Gifts Acceptance or Giving Log by recording all gifts received and given. The log contains the following for Acceptance or Giving: Name of employee, Date, Client/Customer Name, Name of Approver, Description, and Value of gift.