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. 290 | ☒ |
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | ☒ | |||
Amendment No. 291 | ☒ |
VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
225 Pictoria Dr., Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)
Registrants Telephone Number, including Area Code: (513) 587-3400
Capitol Services, Inc.
1675 S. State St., Suite B, Dover, Delaware 19901
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
With Copies to :
John H. Lively
The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc.
A member firm of The 1940 Act Law Group TM
11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Ste. 310
Leawood, KS 66211
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
☒ | immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b); |
☐ | on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b); |
☐ | 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. |
PROSPECTUS
April 27, 2018
SIX THIRTEEN CORE EQUITY FUND (TZDKX)
JVIF, LLC
5850 Canoga Avenue
Suite 400
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(800) 824-5041
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.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS | 7 | |||
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Back Cover |
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund (the Fund) is long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Fee for Redemptions Paid by Wire |
$ | 15.00 |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management Fees |
0.90 | % | ||
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
None | |||
Other Expenses 1 |
15.50 | % | ||
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.07 | % | ||
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
16.47 | % | ||
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement |
(15.04 | %) | ||
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement 2 |
1.43 | % | ||
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Other Expenses are estimated for the Funds initial year of operation. |
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Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers/Expense Reimbursement reflects that, as of the date of this Prospectus, the Adviser (defined later) 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 1.36%. 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 Funds 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. |
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Expense Example:
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Funds operating expenses remain the same. The effect of the Advisers 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 | |||
$146 | $ | 1,962 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or turns over its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example above, affect the Funds performance.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Fund will invest primarily in common stocks of companies with market capitalization of greater than $1 billion that in the opinion of the Funds adviser, JVIF, LLC (the Adviser), are consistent with the Jewish values of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and promoting the development of Israel, as more fully described below. Investments that meet the Advisers Jewish values criteria must then be determined to be high quality and attractively valued companies, based on strong fundamental analysis. The Adviser chooses investments based on both growth and value characteristics.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in the equity securities of companies consistent with the Jewis values described below. This investment policy may not be changed without at least 60 days prior written notice to shareholders. Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common stocks and common stock equivalents (such as rights or warrants, which give the Fund the ability to purchase the common stock) and shares of other investment companies (including open-end and closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)) whose portfolios primarily consist of equity securities. At times, the Fund will invest in small cap and mid cap companies. The Fund may invest in U.S. traded Israeli companies through American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), which are receipts issued by U.S. banks for shares of a foreign corporation that entitle the holder to dividends and capital gains on the underlying security. The Fund may also invest in cash and other cash equivalents.
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Jewish values seen within the strategy
The Jewish values of tikkun olam and/or promoting the development of Israel drive the investment philosophy of the Adviser. The Adviser strives to generate financial returns through:
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U.S. companies that embody environmental and social responsibility; |
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U.S. companies that embody strong corporate governance; |
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Promoting the development and growth of Israel by investing in U.S. traded Israeli companies and U.S. companies that contribute to the development and growth of the Israeli economy; or |
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Companies that embody the values of tzedakah (Acts of righteousness and/or justice) |
In conducting the screening described above the Adviser may utilize a commercially available screening tool. The tool allows the Adviser to screen companies based on aggregated environmental, social and governance data and allows the Adviser to compare companies based on various screening criteria. The Adviser also monitors current events on various asset classes, securities, persons or sources to ensure the Funds investment strategy remains consistent with Jewish values as described herein. The Adviser conducts ongoing quarterly reviews to ensure current holdings continue to meet its criteria.
The Advisers fundamental analysis includes assessing the financial strength of individual companies and may include reviewing various financial metrics and other data to determine a companys underlying value and potential for future growth.
The Adviser reserves the right to sell a security if it no longer meets its screening criteria, or if in the opinion of the Adviser the investment is no longer consistent with Jewish values, as described herein.
Principal Risks
The principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below. There may be circumstances that could prevent the Fund from achieving its investment goal and you may lose money by investing in the Fund. You should carefully consider the Funds investment risks before deciding whether to invest in the Fund.
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 Funds net asset value per share (NAV).
Excluded Securities Risk. The universe of acceptable investments for the Fund may be limited as compared to other funds due to the Funds Jewish values investment screening. Because the Fund does not invest in companies that do not meet its Jewish values criteria, and the Fund may sell portfolio companies that subsequently violate its screens,
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the Fund may be riskier than other mutual funds that invest in a broader array of securities and as a result of such exclusions the Fund may underperform or decline in value such that an investor may lose money.
Socially Responsible Investing Risk. The Fund considers various socially responsible investing principles in its investment process and may choose not to purchase, or may sell, otherwise profitable investments in companies which have been identified as being in conflict with its established socially responsible investing principles. This means that the Fund may underperform other similar mutual funds that do not consider socially responsible investing principles in their investing, and that the value of the Fund could decrease resulting in an investor losing money.
Risk of Warrants and Rights. A warrant or a right may become worthless unless exercised or sold before expiration. In addition, if the market price of the common stock does not exceed the exercise price during the life of the warrant or right, the warrant or right will expire worthless. Warrants and rights have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The percentage increase or decrease in the value of a warrant or right may be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the value of the underlying common stock.
Volatility Risk . Common stocks tend to be more volatile than other investment alternatives. The value of an individual company can be more volatile than the market as a whole. This volatility affects the value of the Funds shares.
Management Risk. The Advisers skill in choosing appropriate investments will play a large part in determining whether the Fund is able to achieve its investment objective. To the extent appropriate investments are not chosen, the Fund may decline in value and you could lose money.
Large Cap Risk. Large capitalization companies tend to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalization. This potentially lower risk means that the Funds share price may not rise as much as share prices of funds that focus on smaller capitalization companies.
Small and Mid Cap Risk. The earnings and prospects of small and mid cap companies are more volatile than larger companies, and these companies may experience higher failure rates than do larger companies. The trading volume is normally less than that of larger companies and, therefore, may disproportionately affect their market price, tending to make prices fall more in response to selling pressure than is the case with larger companies. Small and medium capitalization companies may also have limited markets, product lines, or financial resources, and may lack management experience.
Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in foreign securities through ADRs. Foreign securities are subject to additional risks not typically associated with investments in domestic securities. These risks may include, among others, country related risks including political, diplomatic, regional conflicts, terrorism, war, social and economic
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instability, currency devaluations, and policies restricting the movement of assets; different trading practices; less government supervision; less publicly available information; limited trading markets; and greater volatility. Investments in foreign securities also subject the Fund to risks associated with fluctuations in currency values.
Other Investment Company Risk . The Fund will incur higher and duplicative expenses when it invests in mutual funds, ETFs, and other investment companies. There is also the risk that the Fund may suffer losses due to the investment practices of the underlying funds.
Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers may be subject, directly or indirectly, to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cybersecurity that may cause the Fund to lose or compromise confidential information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest, which may cause the Funds investments in such companies to lose value. There is no guarantee the Fund will be successful in protecting against cybersecurity breaches.
New Fund Risk . The Fund is recently formed. 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.
New Adviser Risk . The investment adviser is recently formed and has not previously managed a mutual fund.
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit at a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by any government agency.
Performance
The Fund recently commenced operations and, as a result, does not have a full calendar year of performance history. Investors should be aware that past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (800) 824-5041, a toll-free number, or data current to the most recent month end may be access on the Funds website at www.jvifunds.com.
Portfolio Management
Investment Adviser JVIF, LLC
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Portfolio Management Team
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Evan F. Shorten, CFP ® , Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception in April, 2018; Managing Partner and Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser |
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Justin L. Ross, Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception in April, 2018; Managing Partner of the Adviser |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Minimum Initial Investment | To Place Buy or Sell Orders | |||
$3,600 for all account types Minimum Additional Purchases: $1,000 |
By Mail: |
Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund P.O. Box 46707 Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707 |
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By Phone: | (800) 824-5041 |
You can purchase shares of the Fund through broker-dealers or directly through the Funds transfer agent. You may sell (redeem) your shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open either directly through the Funds transfer agent by calling (800) 824-5041, or through your broker-dealer or financial intermediary. You may also redeem shares by submitting a written request to the address above.
Tax Information
The Funds distributions 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 intermediarys website for more information.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund (the Fund) is to seek long-term capital appreciation.
The Funds 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 will invest primarily in common stocks of companies with market capitalization of greater than $1 billion that in the opinion of the Funds adviser, JVIF, LLC (the Adviser) are consistent with the Jewish values of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and promoting the development of Israel, as more fully described below. Investments that meet the Advisers Jewish values criteria must then be determined to be high quality and attractively valued companies, based on strong fundamental analysis. The Adviser chooses investments based on both growth and value characteristics.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in the equity securities of companies consistent with the Jewis values described below (the 80% Test). This investment policy may not be changed without at least 60 days prior written notice to shareholders. Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common stocks and common stock equivalents (such as rights or warrants, which give the Fund the ability to purchase the common stock) and shares of other investment companies (including open-end and closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)) whose portfolios primarily consist of equity securities. At times, the Fund will invest in small cap and mid cap companies. The Fund may invest in U.S. and/or U.S.-traded Israeli companies through American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), which are receipts issued by U.S. banks for shares of a foreign corporation that entitle the holder to dividends and capital gains on the underlying security. The Fund may also invest in cash and other cash equivalents.
Jewish values seen within the strategy
The values of tikkun olam and/or promoting the development of Israel drive the investment philosophy of the Adviser. The Adviser strives to generate financial returns through:
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Companies that embody environmental and social responsibility The Adviser attempts to generate financial returns by screening companies based on their commitment to environmental responsibility. This includes screening the |
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companies capacity and commitment to reduce the use of materials, water or energy, reducing environmental emissions as well as incorporating innovative opportunities of creating new environmental technologies and processes. |
Additionally, the Adviser attempts to generate financial returns by screening companies based on their commitment to social responsibility, by investing in companies that value the safety and well being of their employees, and encourage diversity as a critical factor of their success. This is done by screening companies based on employment practices, human rights, community engagement and product responsibility.
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Companies that embody strong corporate governance practices The Adviser aims to generate financial returns by investing in companies that make an active effort to implement strong corporate governance practices. This is done by screening companies that balance the interest of the company with those of their shareholders and stakeholders, board structure and management, customers and suppliers, and government and community. |
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Promoting the development and growth of Israel by investing in U.S. traded Israeli companies and U.S. companies that contribute to the development and growth of the Israeli economy. The Adviser attempts to invest in large, mid and small cap U.S. traded Israeli companies, based on financial merit. For example, U.S. companies that have research and development centers in Israel, that employ Israelis or support products manufactured in Israel would be viewed by the Advsier as contributing to the Isaeli economy. |
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Companies that embody the values of tzedakah (Acts of righteousness and/or justice) The Adviser strives to invest in companies based on financial merit, that go the extra mile to make tzedakah an integral part of their business by being actively involved in their local community and promoting an organizational culture of giving back. |
In conducting the screening described above the Adviser may utilize a commercially available screening tool that incorporates factors such as various environmental, social and governance data, measures of valuation risk derived from a companys operational decisions, human resources policies and practices, and corporate governance structures and controversies. As a result, the companies in which the Fund may invest may have an insignificant impact economically on the Israeli ecomomy The Adviser also monitors current events on various asset classes, securities, persons or sources to ensure the Funds investment strategy remains consistent with Jewish values as described herein. The Adviser conducts ongoing quarterly reviews to ensure current holdings continue to meet its criteria.
The Advisers fundamental analysis includes assessing the financial strength of individual companies and may include reviewing various financial metrics and other data to determine a companys underlying value and potential for future growth.
The Adviser may sell a security if it no longer meets its screening criteria and that, in the opinion of the Adviser, is no longer consistent with Jewish values as described herein.
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Any position held in the Fund that no longer meets the screening criteria or that is no longer consistent with the Jewish values as described herein would not be counted toward meeting the Funds 80% Test.
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 Funds investment risks before deciding whether to invest in the Fund.
Stock Market Risk. Stock markets can be volatile. In other words, the prices of stocks can rise or fall rapidly in response to developments affecting a specific company or industry, or to changing economic, political or market conditions. The Funds investments may decline in value if the stock markets perform poorly. There is also a risk that the Funds investments will underperform either the securities markets generally or particular segments of the securities markets. The Funds net asset value may decline as a result of this risk.
Excluded Securities Risk. The universe of acceptable investments for the Fund may be limited as compared to other funds due to the Funds Jewish values investment screening. Because the Fund does not invest in companies that do not meet its Jewish values criteria, and the Fund may sell portfolio companies that subsequently violate its screens, the Fund may be riskier than other mutual funds that invest in a broader array of securities. Although the Funds Adviser believes that the Fund can achieve its investment objective within the parameters of its screens, eliminating certain securities as investments may have an adverse effect on the Funds performance and an investor may lose money.
Socially Responsible Investing Risk. The Fund considers various socially responsible investing principles in its investment process and may choose not to purchase, or may sell, otherwise profitable investments in companies which have been identified as being in conflict with its established socially responsible investing principles. This means that the Fund may underperform other similar mutual funds that do not consider socially responsible investing principles in their investing and that the value of the Fund could decrease resulting in an investor losing money.
Risk of Warrants and Rights. A warrant or a right gives the Fund the ability to purchase common stock at a specific price (usually at a premium above the market value of the underlying common stock at time of issuance) during a specified period of time. A warrant may become worthless unless it is exercised or sold before expiration. In addition, if the market price of the common stock does not exceed the warrants exercise price during the life of the warrant, the warrant will expire worthless. Warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The percentage increase or decrease in the value of a warrant may be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the value of the underlying common stock.
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Volatility Risk . Common stocks tend to be more volatile than other investment alternatives. The value of an individual company can be more volatile than the market as a whole. This volatility affects the value of the Funds shares.
Management Risk. The Advisers strategy may fail to produce the intended results. The Advisers skill in choosing appropriate investments will play a large part in determining whether the Fund is able to achieve its investment objective. If the Advisers projections about the prospects for a security are not correct, such errors in judgment by the Adviser may result in significant investment losses.
Large Cap Risk. Large capitalization companies tend to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalization. This potentially lower risk means that the Funds share price may not rise as much as share prices of funds that focus on smaller capitalization companies.
Small and Mid Cap Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in small and medium cap companies, the Fund will be subject to additional risks. The earnings and prospects of these companies are more volatile than larger companies, and small and medium capitalization companies may experience higher failure rates than do larger companies. The trading volume of securities of small and medium capitalization companies is normally less than that of larger companies and, therefore, may disproportionately affect their market price, tending to make prices fall more in response to selling pressure than is the case with larger companies. Small and medium capitalization companies may also have limited markets, product lines, or financial resources, and may lack management experience.
Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in foreign securities through ADRs. Foreign securities are subject to additional risks not typically associated with investments in domestic securities. These risks may include, among others, country related risks including political, diplomatic, regional conflicts, terrorism, war, social and economic instability, currency devaluations, and policies restricting the movement of assets; different trading practices; less government supervision; less publicly available information; limited trading markets; and greater volatility. Investments in foreign securities also subject the Fund to risks associated with fluctuations in currency values.
Other Investment Company Risk . When the Fund invests in other investment companies, such as other mutual funds or ETFs, it indirectly bears its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by the other investment company. Therefore, the Fund will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. In addition, the Fund may be affected by losses of the underlying funds and the level of risk arising from the investment practices of the underlying funds (such as the use of derivatives by the funds). ETFs are also subject to the following risks: (i) an ETFs shares may trade at a market price above or below its NAV; (ii) the ETF may employ an investment strategy that utilizes high leverage ratios; or (iii) trading of an ETFs shares may be halted if the listing exchanges officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are de-listed from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide circuit breakers (which are tied to large
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decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally. The Fund has no control over the risks taken by the underlying funds in which it invests.
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 Adviser, 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 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 Funds investments in such companies to lose value. There is no guarantee the Fund will be successful in protecting against cybersecurity breaches.
New Fund Risk. The Fund is recently formed. 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.
New Adviser Risk. The investment adviser is recently formed and has not previously managed a mutual fund.
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 Funds 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%
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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 Funds 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:
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investors seeking a fund that invests according to the Jewish values of tikkun olam and promoting the development of Israel. |
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long-term investors seeking a fund with an investment objective of long-term growth of capital. |
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investors willing to accept price fluctuations in their investment. |
Information about the Funds policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of the Funds portfolio holdings is included in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI).
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. This means that when you open an account, we will ask for your name, residential address, date of birth, government identification number and other information that will allow us to identify you. We may also ask to see your drivers license or other identifying documents, and may take additional steps to verify your identity. If we do not receive these required pieces of information, there may be a delay in processing your investment request, which could subject your investment to market risk. If we are unable to immediately verify your identity, the Fund may restrict further investment until your identity is verified. However, if we are unable to verify your identity, the Fund reserves the right to close 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 $3,600 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
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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:
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a completed and signed investment application form; and |
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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: |
Overnight: | |
Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund P.O. Box 46707 Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707 |
Six Thirteen Core Equity 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) 824-5041 to obtain instructions on how to set up your account and to obtain an account number.
You must provide a signed application to the Fund 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.
Additional Investments
You may purchase additional shares of the Fund at any time by mail, wire, or automatic investment. Each additional purchase must be for a minimum of $1,000, with the
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exception of purchases by automatic investment plan, as described below. 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 Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund |
Checks should be sent to the Fund at the address listed under the heading Initial Purchase By Mail in this Prospectus. To send a bank wire, call Shareholder Services at (800) 824-5041 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) 824-5041 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) 824-5041.
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, travelers checks, money orders, credit card checks, and checks drawn on non-U.S. financial institutions will not be accepted. Cashiers checks and bank official
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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 Funds transfer agent.
You may receive redemption payments by check or federal wire transfer. The proceeds may be more or less than the purchase price of your shares, depending on the market value of the Funds securities at the time of your redemption. If you redeem your shares through a broker/dealer or other financial institution, you may be charged a fee by that institution. You should consult with your broker-dealer or other financial institution for more information on these fees.
By Mail You may redeem any part of your account in the Fund at no charge by mail. Your request should be addressed to:
U.S. Mail: |
Overnight: | |
Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund P.O. Box 46707 Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707 |
Six Thirteen Core Equity 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) 824-5041 if you have questions. At the discretion of the Adviser or the transfer agent, the signature guarantee
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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) 824-5041. 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.
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 Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds 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
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significantly changing the market value of the investment. Certain illiquid securities may be valued using estimated prices from one of the Trusts 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) 824-5041. 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:
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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. |
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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 days 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.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The price you pay for your shares is based on the Funds NAV per share. The Funds NAV is calculated at the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for business (the NYSE is closed on weekends, most federal holidays and Good Friday). The Funds NAV is calculated by dividing the value of the Funds total assets (including interest and dividends accrued but not yet received) minus liabilities (including accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding. Requests to purchase and sell shares are processed at the NAV next calculated after the Fund receives your order in proper form. In the event the Fund holds portfolio securities that trade in foreign markets or that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not price its shares, the NAV of the Funds shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Funds shares.
The Funds assets generally are valued at their market value. If market prices are not 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
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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 Funds fair value methodology is inappropriate. The Fund will adjust the fair values assigned to securities in the Funds portfolio, to the extent necessary, as soon as market prices become available. The Fund (and its service providers) continually monitors and evaluates the appropriateness of its fair value methodologies through systematic comparisons of fair values to the actual next available market prices of securities contained in the Funds portfolio. To the extent the Fund invests in other mutual funds, the Funds NAV is calculated based, in part, upon the 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.
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:
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Postal or other delivery service is unable to deliver checks to the address of record; |
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Your dividend and capital gain distribution checks are not cashed within 180 days; or |
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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 days 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 Funds shareholders. These transactions typically create the following tax liabilities for taxable accounts:
Summary of Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences. The following information is meant as a general summary of the federal income tax provisions regarding the taxation of the Funds shareholders. Additional tax information appears in the SAI. Shareholders should rely on their own tax adviser for advice about the federal, state, and local tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.
The Fund expects to distribute all or substantially all of its net investment income and net realized 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 Funds assets are invested in foreign ETFs, foreign index mutual funds, or other foreign issues at the end of the year, the Funds shareholders might be able to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to foreign taxes withheld.
Taxable distributions paid by the Fund to corporate shareholders will be taxed at corporate tax rates. Corporate shareholders may be entitled to a dividends received deduction (DRD) for a portion of the dividends paid and designated by the Fund as qualifying for the DRD provided certain holding period requirements are met.
In general, a shareholder who sells or redeems Fund shares will realize a capital gain or loss, which will be long-term or short-term depending upon the shareholders holding
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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 shareholders 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 Funds shareholders Forms 1099-B when covered securities are sold. Covered securities are any regulated investment company and/or dividend reinvestment plan shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012.
The Fund has chosen average cost as 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 Funds standing tax lot identification method is the method covered shares will be reported on your Forms 1099-B if you do not select a specific tax lot identification method. You may choose a method different than the Funds standing method and will be able to do so at the time of your purchase or upon the sale of covered shares. Please refer to the appropriate 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.
Adviser. JVIF, LLC, 5850 Canoga Avenue, Suite 400, Woodland Hills, California 91367, serves as investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser has overall supervisory
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management responsibility for the general management and investment of the Funds portfolio. The Adviser was formed in 2017 by Evan F. Shorten and Justin L. Ross, who each own 50% of the firm. The Adviser currently manages no accounts other than the Fund.
The Fund is required to pay the Adviser a fee equal to 0.90% of the Funds average daily net assets. A discussion of the factors that the Board considered in approving the Funds advisory agreement will be contained in the Funds 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 1.36%. 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 Funds 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 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.
Understanding the importance of tzedakah as one of the most important of all 613 mitzvot, and believing that the Jewish people should give at least 10% of their net earnings to tzedakah , the Adviser will donate 10% of its net profits from managing the Fund to various 501(c)(3) organizations chosen by the Adviser.
The Adviser has formed an Advisory Board which includes members of the Jewish community such as Rabbis and other Jewish executives to ensure Jewish values remain consistent with the philosophy of the Adviser. The Advisory Board will meet with the Adviser to discuss topics such as potential deviations from Jewish values by portfolio companies, ensuring environmental, social, and governance mandates are consistent, and possible new portfolio holdings. The Advisory Board members do not make portfolio management decisions, will not select portfolio securities, and are not compensated by the Fund or by the Adviser.
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
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or limitations on buying or selling shares. Some financial intermediaries do not charge a direct transaction fee, but instead charge a fee for services such as sub-transfer agency, accounting and/or shareholder services that the financial intermediary provides on the Funds behalf. This fee may be based on the number of accounts or may be a percentage of the average value of the Funds shareholder accounts for which the financial intermediary provides services. The Fund may pay a portion of this fee, which is intended to compensate the financial intermediary for providing the same services that would otherwise be provided by the Funds transfer agent or other service providers if the shares were purchased directly from the Fund. To the extent that these fees are not paid by the Fund, the Adviser may pay a fee to financial intermediaries for such services.
To the extent that the Adviser, not the Fund, pays a fee to a financial intermediary for distribution or shareholder servicing, the Adviser may consider a number of factors in determining the amount of payment associated with such services, including the amount of sales, assets invested in the Fund and the nature of the services provided by the financial intermediary. Although neither the Fund nor the Adviser pays for the Fund to be included in a financial intermediarys preferred list or other promotional program, some financial intermediaries that receive compensation as described above may have such programs in which the Fund may be included. Financial intermediaries that receive these types of payments may have a conflict of interest in recommending or selling the Funds shares rather than other mutual funds, particularly where such payments exceed those associated with other funds. The Fund may from time to time purchase securities issued by financial intermediaries that provide such services; however, in selecting investments for the Fund, no preference will be shown for such securities.
Portfolio Managers. Evan F. Shorten, CFP ® and Justin L. Ross are jointly responsible for making the investment decisions for the Fund, and decisions are made by consensus opinion.
Evan F. Shorten, CFP ® Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund, Managing Partner and Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser. In addition to his role at the Adviser, Evan is the Founding Principal of Paragon Financial Partners, a SEC registered investment adviser. Prior to founding Paragon Financial Partners in 2009, Evan spent over 11 years with Fidelity Investments as a Vice President and Senior Account Executive. During his tenure with Fidelity Investments, Evan was overseeing $1.96 Billion in assets.
Justin L. Ross Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund, Managing Partner of the Adviser. In addition, Justin is a Financial Adviser with Paragon Financial Partners. Prior to his role at the Adviser and Paragon Financial Partners, Justin was with Morgan Stanley as a financial advisor. Preceding Morgan Stanley, Justin was with BofI Federal Bank, where he co-managed the Specialty Finance division.
The Funds SAI provides additional information about the Funds portfolio managers, including their compensation structure, other accounts managed, and ownership of shares of the Fund.
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You can find additional information about the Fund in the following documents:
Annual and Semi-Annual Reports: While this Prospectus describes the Funds potential investments, the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports detail the Funds actual investments as of their report dates. The Annual report includes a discussion by Fund management of recent market conditions, economic trends, and investment strategies that significantly affected Fund performance during the reporting period.
Statement of Additional Information: The SAI supplements the Prospectus and contains detailed information about the Fund and its investment restrictions, risks, policies, and operations, including the Funds policies and procedures relating to the disclosure of portfolio holdings by the Funds affiliates. A current SAI for the Fund is on file with the 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 Funds Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, and request other information about the Fund or make shareholder inquiries, in any of the following ways:
The Funds website at www.jvifunds.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) 824-5041. 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 SECs Internet site at http://www.sec.gov , and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov , or by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.
Investment Company Act #811-22208
Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund
(TZDKX)
A Series of the Valued Advisers Trust
Statement of Additional Information
April 27, 2018
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus (the Prospectus) of the Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund (the Fund) dated April 27, 2018. A free copy of the Prospectus or Annual Report, when available, can be obtained by writing Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Funds transfer agent, at P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707, or by calling Shareholder Services at (800) 824-5041.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUND
The Six Thirteen Core Equity 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 Funds investment adviser is JVIF, LLC (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 Funds Prospectus. For a description of the methods used to determine the share price and value of the Funds assets, see Determination of Net Asset Value in the Prospectus and this SAI. The Fund has authorized one or more brokers to receive on its behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on the Funds behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a brokers authorized designee, receives the order.
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Customer orders will be priced at the Funds net asset value per share (NAV) next computed after they are received by an authorized broker or the brokers authorized designee and accepted by the Fund. The performance of the Fund may be compared in publications to the performance of various indices and investments for which reliable performance data is available. The performance of the Fund may be compared in publications to averages, performance rankings, or other information prepared by recognized mutual fund statistical services. The Annual Report contains additional performance information and will be made available to investors upon request and without charge.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS
This section contains additional information about the investments the Fund may make and some of the techniques it may use. It is not the Funds policy to invest in illiquid securities.
A. Equity Securities. Equity securities include common stock and common stock equivalents (such as rights and warrants). Warrants are options to purchase equity securities at a specified price valid for a specific time period. Rights are similar to warrants, but normally have a short duration and are distributed by the issuer to its shareholders. Warrants are instruments that entitle the holder to buy underlying equity securities at a specific price for a specific period of time. A warrant tends to be more volatile than its underlying securities and ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. In addition, changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying securities.
B. Depositary Receipts. The Fund may invest in foreign securities by purchasing depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) and other similar instruments. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are denominated in U.S. dollars and are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets, while GDRs, in bearer form, may be denominated in other currencies and are designed for use in multiple foreign securities markets. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying securities. GDRs are foreign receipts evidencing a similar arrangement. For purposes of the Funds investment policies, ADRs and GDRs are deemed to have the same classification as the underlying securities they represent, except that ADRs and GDRs shall be treated as indirect foreign investments. For example, an ADR or GDR representing ownership of common stock will be treated as common stock.
ADRs are denominated in U.S. dollars and represent an interest in the right to receive securities of foreign issuers deposited in a U.S. bank or correspondent bank. ADRs do not eliminate all the risk inherent in investing in the securities of foreign issuers. However, by investing in ADRs rather than directly in equity securities of foreign issuers, the Fund will avoid currency risks during the settlement period for either purchases or sales. GDRs are not necessarily denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities which they represent.
Depositary receipt facilities may be established as either unsponsored or sponsored. While depositary receipts issued under these two types of facilities are in some respects similar, there are distinctions between them relating to the rights and obligations of depositary receipt holders and the practices of market participants.
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A depository may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by (or even necessarily the permission of) the issuer of the deposited securities, although typically the depository requests a letter of non-objection from such issuer prior to the establishment of the facility. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of such facility. The depository usually charges fees upon the deposit and withdrawal of the deposited securities, the conversion of dividends into U.S. dollars, the disposition of non-cash distributions, and the performance of other services. The depository of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to pass through voting rights to depositary receipt holders in respect of the deposited securities. In addition, an unsponsored facility is generally not obligated to distribute communications received from the issuer of the deposited securities or to disclose material information about such issuer in the U.S. and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the depositary receipts.
Sponsored depositary receipt facilities are created in generally the same manner as unsponsored facilities, except that the issuer of the deposited securities enters into a deposit agreement with the depository. The deposit agreement sets out the rights and responsibilities of the issuer, the depository, and the depositary receipt holders. With sponsored facilities, the issuer of the deposited securities generally will bear some of the costs relating to the facility (such as dividend payment fees of the depository), although depositary receipt holders continue to bear certain other costs (such as deposit and withdrawal fees). Under the terms of most sponsored arrangements, depositories agree to distribute notices of shareholder meetings and voting instructions, and to provide shareholder communications and other information to the depositary receipt holders at the request of the issuer of the deposited securities.
C. Investment Company Securities . The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies, such as other mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or money market funds, subject to the restrictions and limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). When the Fund invests in other investment companies, it will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by the investment company. In connection with its investments in other investment companies, the Fund will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative.
D. 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 be purchased for hedging purposes, 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 Funds transactions in derivative instruments may include, among others, the purchase and writing of options on securities.
Writing Covered Call Options - The Fund may write covered call options on equity securities or futures contracts that the Fund is eligible to purchase to earn premium income, to assure a definite price for a security it has considered selling, or to close out options previously purchased. The Fund may write covered call options if, immediately thereafter, not more than 30% of its net assets would be committed to such transactions. A call option gives the holder (buyer) the right to purchase a security or futures contract at a specified price (the exercise price) at any time until a certain date (the expiration date). A call option is covered if the Fund owns
3
the underlying security subject to the call option at all times during the option period. When the Fund writes a covered call option, it maintains in a segregated account with its custodian or as otherwise required by the rules of the exchange for the underlying security, cash or liquid portfolio securities in an amount not less than the exercise price at all times while the option is outstanding.
The writing of covered call options is considered to be a conservative investment technique. The Fund will receive a premium from writing a call option, which increases the Funds 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 covered 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 security increase, but has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline.
Writing Covered Put Options - The Fund may write covered put options on equity securities and futures contracts that the Fund is eligible to purchase to earn premium income or to assure a definite price for a security if it is considering acquiring the security at a lower price than the current market price or to close out options previously purchased. The Fund may not write a put option if, immediately thereafter, more than 25% of its net assets would be committed to such transactions. A put option gives the holder of the option the right to sell, and the writer has the obligation to buy, the underlying security at the exercise price at any time during the option period. The operation of put options in other respects is substantially identical to that of call options. When the Fund writes a covered put option, it maintains in a segregated account with its custodian cash or liquid portfolio securities in an amount not less than the exercise price at all times while the put option is outstanding.
The Fund will receive a premium from writing a put option, which increases the Funds 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. The risks involved in writing put options include the risk that a closing transaction cannot be effected at a favorable price and the possibility that the price of the underlying security may fall below the exercise price, in which case the Fund may be required to purchase the underlying security at a higher price than the market price of the security at the time the option is exercised, resulting in a potential capital loss unless the security subsequently appreciates in value.
The Fund may also write straddles (combinations of puts and calls on the same underlying security).
Options Transactions Generally - Option transactions in which the Fund may engage involve the specific risks described above as well as the following risks: the writer of an option may be required to exercise at any time during the option period; disruptions in the markets for underlying instruments could result in losses for options investors; imperfect or no correlation between the option and the securities being hedged; the insolvency of a broker could present risks for the brokers customers; and market imposed restrictions may prohibit the exercise of
4
certain options. In addition, the option activities of the Fund may affect its portfolio turnover rate and the amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Fund. The success of the Fund in using the option strategies described above depends on, among other things, the Sub-Advisors ability to predict the direction and volatility of price movements in the options, futures contracts and securities markets and its ability to select the proper time, type and duration of the options.
The Fund may purchase either exchange-traded or over-the-counter options on securities. With certain exceptions, over-the-counter options, and any assets used to cover them, are considered illiquid securities. The Funds ability to terminate options positions established in the over-the-counter market may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded options and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Fund.
E. 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), Veterans 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).
F. 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 issuers 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.
G. 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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H. Cash Investments . When the Adviser believes market, economic or political conditions are unfavorable for investors, the Adviser may invest up to 100% of the Funds 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.
I. 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, bankers 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.
Although the Fund generally will not invest for short-term trading purposes, portfolio securities may be sold without regard to the length of time they have been held when, in the opinion of the Adviser, investment considerations warrant such action. The Funds portfolio turnover rate is a measure of the Funds portfolio activity, and is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of securities by the average value of the portfolio securities held during the period. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) generally leads to higher transaction costs and may result in a greater number of taxable transactions.
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 Funds total assets at the time when the borrowing is made. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from entering into reverse repurchase transactions, provided that the Fund has an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings and repurchase commitments of the Fund pursuant to reverse repurchase transactions. |
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2. | Diversification . The Fund may not, with respect to 75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer or purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any class of securities of any one issuer (except that securities of the U.S. government, its agencies, and instrumentalities are not subject to this limitation). |
3. | Senior Securities . The Fund will not issue senior securities. This limitation is not applicable to activities that may be deemed to involve the issuance or sale of a senior security by the Fund, provided that the Funds 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. |
Non-Fundamental. The investment limitation described below has been adopted by the Trust with respect to the Fund and is non-fundamental (Non-Fundamental). A Non-Fundamental policy may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the Board) without
7
the approval of shareholders to the extent permitted by applicable law, regulation or regulatory policy. Additionally, the Funds investment objective of long-term growth of capital is non-fundamental.
1. Name Rule. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes, if any) in equity securities. This investment policy may not be changed without at least 60 days prior written notice in plain English to the Funds shareholders.
With respect to the percentages adopted by the Trust as maximum limitations on its investment policies and limitations, an excess above the fixed percentage will not be a violation of the policy or limitation unless the excess results immediately and directly from the acquisition of any security or the action taken. This paragraph does not apply to the borrowing policy set forth in paragraph 1 above.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing limitations, any investment company, whether organized as a trust, association or corporation, or a personal holding company, may be merged or consolidated with or acquired by the Trust, provided that if such merger, consolidation or acquisition results in an investment in the securities of any issuer prohibited by said paragraphs, the Trust shall, within ninety days after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or acquisition, dispose of all of the securities of such issuer so acquired or such portion thereof as shall bring the total investment therein within the limitations imposed by said paragraphs above as of the date of consummation.
The Funds Adviser is JVIF, LLC, 5850 Canoga Avenue, Suite 400, Woodland Hills, California 91367. The Adviser was formed in 2017 by Mr. Evan F. Shorten and Mr. Justin L. Ross, who each own 50% of the Adviser and serve as portfolio managers to the Fund. The Fund is the first mutual fund managed by the Adviser.
Under the terms of the management agreement (the Agreement), the Adviser manages the Funds 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 0.90% 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 1.36%. 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 Funds 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
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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 JVIF, JVI Funds, or Jewish Values Investment Funds in connection with another investment company or business enterprise with which the Adviser is or may become associated. The Trusts right to use the name JVIF, JVI Funds, or Jewish Values Investment Funds automatically ceases 90 days after termination of the Agreement and may be withdrawn by the Adviser on 90 days written notice.
The Adviser may make payments to banks or other financial institutions that provide shareholder services and administer shareholder accounts. If a bank or other financial institution were prohibited from continuing to perform all or a part of such services, management of the Fund believes that there would be no material impact on the Fund or shareholders. Banks and other financial institutions may charge their customers fees for offering these services to the extent permitted by applicable regulatory authorities, and the overall return to those shareholders availing themselves of the bank services will be lower than to those shareholders who do not. The Fund may from time to time purchase securities issued by banks and other financial institutions that provide such services; however, in selecting investments for the Fund, no preference will be shown for such securities.
About the Portfolio Managers
Evan F. Shorten, CFA ® and Justin L. Ross are co-portfolio managers of the Fund (Portfolio Managers). As of April 27, 2018 the Portfolio Managers, were responsible for managing the following types of accounts, in addition to the Fund:
Evan F. Shorten, CFA ®
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 |
0 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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Justin L. Ross
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 |
0 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Compensation : Mr. Shorten and Mr. Ross each have ownership interests in the Adviser. They may receive distributions from the Adviser, which may come from profits generated by the Adviser. Mr. Shorten and Mr. Ross will not be compensated for their roles at the Adviser until the Fund reaches profitability, i.e. the Adviser is no longer reimbursing the Fund pursuant to the expense limitation arrangement.
Potential Conflicts of Interest : Potential conflicts of interest may arise because the Portfolio Managers use the same proprietary investment methodology for the Fund as they use for other clients. This means that the Portfolio Managers will make the investment strategies used to manage the Fund available to other clients. As a result, there may be circumstances under which the Fund and other clients of the Adviser may compete in purchasing available investments and, to the extent that the demand exceeds the supply, may result in driving the prices of such investments up, resulting in higher costs to the Fund. There also may be circumstances under which the Portfolio Managers purchase or sell various investments for other clients and do not purchase or sell the same investments for the Fund, or purchase or sell an investment for the Fund and do not include such investment in purchases or sales for other clients. This is because each clients 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. As a result of these activities, each Portfolio Manager is engaged in substantial activities other than on behalf of the Fund, and may have differing economic interests in respect of such activities.
Ownership of Fund Shares : The Fund is required to show the dollar amount range of each Portfolio Managers 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.
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
10
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 Boards role with respect to risk oversight specifically. The Trusts committees are responsible for certain aspects of risk oversight relating to financial statements, the valuation of the Trusts assets, and compliance matters. The Board 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 CCOs role in managing the compliance risks of the Trust. The CCO may also report directly to a particular committee of the Board depending on the subject matter. The Trusts principal financial officer reports to the Audit Committee of the Board on all financial matters affecting the Trust, including risks associated with financial reporting. Through the committee structure, the Trustees also interact with other officers and service providers of the Trust to monitor risks related to the Trusts operations. The Trust has determined that its leadership structure is appropriate based on the size of the Trust, the Boards current responsibilities, each Trustees ability to participate in the oversight of the Trust and committee transparency.
The Trustees are experienced businesspersons who meet throughout the year to oversee the Trusts activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the Fund and review performance. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires or is removed.
The following table provides information regarding each of the Independent Trustees.
Name, Address*, Age, Position with Trust**, Term of Position with Trust |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships |
Other Directorships |
||
Ira 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, 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). |
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Name, Address*, Age, Position with Trust**, Term of Position with Trust |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships |
Other Directorships |
||
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.
of Position with Trust |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years |
Other Directorships |
||
Mark J. Seger , 56 Trustee Since March 2017 |
Current : Managing Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC and its subsidiaries (since 1999). | 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 Trusts committees are responsible for certain aspects of risk oversight relating to financial statements, the valuation of the Trusts assets, and compliance and governance matters. The Board currently has established three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Pricing Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee.
The Trusts Audit Committee consists of the Independent Trustees. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Funds accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, its internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers; overseeing the quality and objectivity of the Funds financial statements and the independent audit of the financial statements; and acting as a liaison between the Funds independent auditors and the full Board. During the 2017 calendar year, the Audit Committee met five times.
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The Pricing Committee of the Board is responsible for reviewing and approving the Funds fair valuation determinations, if any. The members of the Pricing Committee are all of the Trustees, except that any one member of the Pricing Committee constitutes a quorum for purposes of reviewing and approving a fair value. During the 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 Committees purposes, duties and powers are set forth in its written charter, which is included in Exhibit C the charter also describes the process by which shareholders of the Trust may make nominations. During the 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 individuals business and professional experience and accomplishments; (2) the individuals ability to work effectively with the other members of the Board; and (3) how the individuals skills, experience and attributes would contribute to an appropriate mix of relevant skills and experience on the Board. In respect of each Trustee, the individuals substantial professional accomplishments and prior experience, including, in some cases, in fields related to the operations of the Trust, were a significant factor in the determination that the individual should serve as a Trustee of the Trust. In addition to the information provided above, below is a summary of the specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills of each Trustee and the reason why he was selected to serve as Trustee:
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 industrys 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 Trusts 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.
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The following table provides information regarding the Officers of the Trust:
Name, Address*, Age, Position with Trust**, Term of Position with Trust |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years |
Other Directorships |
||
Adam T. Kornegay , 33 Principal Executive Officer and Prosident Since April 2018 |
Current : Assistant Vice President, Business Development Director, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since March 2015).
Previous : Vice President, Citigroup, Inc. (July 2009 to February 2015). |
None. | ||
Brandon R. 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. | ||
Carol J. Highsmith , 53 Vice President Since August 2008 Secretary Since March 2014 |
Current : Assistant Vice President, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since December 2015).
Previous : Employed in various positions with Huntington Asset Services, Inc. (n/k/a Ultimus Asset Services, LLC) (November 1994 to December 2015), most recently Vice President of Legal Administration (2005 to December 2015). |
None. | ||
Matthew J. Miller , 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. |
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Name, Address*, Age, Position with Trust**, Term of Position with Trust |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years |
Other Directorships |
||
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.
Name of Trustee |
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund |
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in all Registered Investment
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.
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Independent Trustees |
Aggregate
Compensation from the Fund |
Pension or
Retirement Benefits Accrued As Part of Fund Expenses |
Estimated
Annual Benefits Upon Retirement |
Total
Compensation from Trust* |
||||
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 Trusts 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 Funds 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.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE PROGRAM
Customer identification and verification is part of the Funds overall obligation to prevent money laundering under federal law. The Trust has, on behalf of the Fund, adopted an anti-money laundering compliance program designed to prevent the Fund from being used for money laundering or financing of terrorist activities (the AML Compliance Program). The Trust has delegated the responsibility to implement the AML Compliance Program to the Funds transfer agent, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, subject to oversight by the Trusts CCO and, ultimately, by the Board.
When you open an account with the Fund, the Funds transfer agent will request that you provide your name, physical address, date of birth, and Social Security number or tax identification number. You may also be asked for other information that, in the transfer agents discretion, will allow the Fund to verify your identity. Entities are also required to provide additional documentation. This information will be verified to ensure the identity of all persons opening an account with the Fund. The Fund reserves the right to (i) refuse, cancel or rescind any purchase or exchange order, (ii) freeze any account and/or suspend account activities, or (iii) involuntarily redeem your account in cases of threatening conduct or suspected fraudulent or
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illegal activity. These actions will be taken when, in the sole discretion of the Funds transfer agent, they are deemed to be in the best interest of the Fund, or in cases where the Fund is requested or compelled to do so by governmental or law enforcement authority.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
Subject to policies established by the Board, the Adviser is responsible for the Funds portfolio decisions and the placing of the Funds 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 Advisers overall responsibilities with respect to the Fund and to other accounts over which it exercises investment discretion.
Research services include supplemental research, securities and economic analyses, statistical services and information with respect to the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities and analyses of reports concerning performance of accounts. The research services and other information furnished by brokers through whom the Fund effects securities transactions may also be used by the Adviser in servicing all of its accounts. Similarly, research and information provided by brokers or dealers serving other clients may be useful to the Adviser in connection with its services to the Fund. Although research services and other information are useful to the Fund and the Adviser, it is not possible to place a dollar value on the research and other information received. It is the opinion of the Board 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 Advisers 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
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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.
The Trust, the Funds distributor, and the Adviser have each adopted a Code of Ethics (each a Code and collectively, the Codes) pursuant to Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act, and the Advisers Code 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) 824-5041. You may also obtain copies of the Trusts Code from documents filed with the SEC and available on the SECs web site at www.sec.gov .
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Fund is required to include a schedule of portfolio holdings in its annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, which is sent to shareholders within 60 days of the end of the second and fourth fiscal quarters and which is filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR. The Fund also is required to file a schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-Q within 60 days of the end of the first and third fiscal quarters. The Fund must provide a copy of the complete schedule of portfolio holdings as filed with the SEC to any shareholder of the Fund, upon request, free of charge. This policy is applied uniformly to all shareholders of the Fund without regard to the type of requesting shareholder (i.e., regardless of whether the shareholder is an individual or institutional investor).
The Fund releases portfolio holdings to third party servicing agents on a daily basis in order for those parties to perform their duties on behalf of the Fund. These third party servicing agents include the Adviser, distributor, transfer agent, fund accounting agent, administrator and custodian. The Fund also may disclose portfolio holdings, as needed, to auditors, legal counsel, proxy voting services (if applicable), printers, pricing services, parties to merger and reorganization agreements and their agents, and prospective or newly hired investment advisers or sub-advisers. The lag between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed will vary based on the identity of the party to whom the information is disclosed. For instance, the information may be provided to auditors within days of the end of an annual period, while the information may be given to legal counsel or prospective advisers at any time. This information is disclosed to all such third parties under conditions of confidentiality. Conditions of confidentiality include (i) confidentiality clauses in written agreements, (ii) confidentiality implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g., attorney-client relationship), (iii) confidentiality required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custodial relationships) or (iv) understandings or expectations between the parties that the information will be kept confidential.
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Additionally, the Fund has ongoing arrangements to release portfolio holdings to Morningstar, Inc., Lipper, Inc., Bloomberg, Standard & Poors, 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 Funds top portfolio holdings available on their websites and may make the Funds complete portfolio holdings available to their subscribers for a fee. Neither the Fund, the Adviser nor any of their affiliates receive any portion of this fee. Information released to Rating Agencies is released under conditions of confidentiality and it is subject to prohibitions on trading based on the information. The Fund also may post its complete portfolio holdings to its website, if applicable, within approximately 15 days after the end of the month. The information will remain posted on the website until replaced by the information for the succeeding month. If the Fund does not have a website or the website is for some reason inoperable, the information will be supplied no more frequently than quarterly and on a delayed basis.
From time to time, employees of the Adviser also may provide oral or written information (portfolio commentary) about the Fund, including, but not limited to, how the Funds investments are divided among various sectors, industries, countries, investment styles and capitalization sizes, and among stocks, bonds, currencies and cash, security types, bond maturities, bond coupons and bond credit quality ratings. This portfolio commentary may also include information on how these various weightings and factors contributed to Fund performance. Employees of the Adviser may also provide oral or written information (statistical information) about various financial characteristics of the Fund or its underlying portfolio securities including, but not limited to, alpha, beta, R-squared, coefficient of determination, duration, maturity, information ratio, Sharpe ratio, earnings growth, payout ratio, price/book value, projected earnings growth, return on equity, standard deviation, tracking error, weighted average quality, market capitalization, percent debt to equity, price to cash flow, dividend yield or growth, default rate, portfolio turnover, and risk and style characteristics. This portfolio commentary and statistical information about the Fund may be based on the Funds portfolio as of the most recent quarter-end or the end of some other interim period, such as month-end. The portfolio commentary and statistical information may be provided to various persons, including members of the press, brokers and other financial intermediaries that sell shares of the Fund, shareholders in the 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 Funds 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 Funds portfolio holdings to the Board, which will review such arrangement to determine whether the arrangement is in the best interests of Fund shareholders. Additionally, the Adviser, and any
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affiliated persons of the Adviser, are prohibited from receiving compensation or other consideration, for themselves or on behalf of the Fund, as a result of disclosing the Funds portfolio holdings. Finally, the Fund will not disclose portfolio holdings as described above to third parties that the Fund knows will use the information for personal securities transactions.
The Trust maintains written policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of its portfolio holdings to ensure that such disclosure is for a legitimate business purpose and is in the best interests of the Funds shareholders. The Board reviews these policies and procedures on an annual basis. Compliance will be periodically assessed by the Board in connection with a report from the Trusts CCO. There may be instances where the interests of the Trusts shareholders respecting the disclosure of information about portfolio holdings may conflict or appear to conflict with the interests of the Adviser, any principal underwriter for the Trust or an affiliated person of the Trust (including such affiliated persons investment adviser or principal underwriter). In such situations, the conflict must be disclosed to the Board.
The Trust and the Adviser each have adopted proxy voting policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in shareholders best interests. As a brief summary, the Trusts policy delegates responsibility regarding proxy voting to the Adviser, subject to the Advisers proxy voting policy and the supervision of the Board. The Adviser votes the Funds proxies in accordance with its proxy voting policy, subject to the provisions of the Trusts policy regarding conflicts of interests. The Funds Proxy Voting Policy and Procedure is attached as Exhibit A. The Advisers Proxy Voting Policy and Procedure is attached as Exhibit B.
The Trusts policy provides that, if a conflict of interest between the Adviser or its affiliates and the Fund arises with respect to any proxy, the Adviser must fully disclose the conflict to the Board and vote the proxy in accordance with the Boards instructions. The Board shall make the proxy voting decision that in its judgment, after reviewing the recommendation of the Adviser, is most consistent with the Advisers proxy voting policies and in the best interests of Fund shareholders.
You may also obtain a copy of the Trusts and the Advisers proxy voting policy by calling Shareholder Services at (800) 824-5041 to request a copy, or by writing to Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Funds transfer agent, at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246. A copy of the policies will be mailed to you within three days of receipt of your request. You also may obtain a copy from Fund documents filed with the SEC, which are available on the SECs web site at www.sec.gov. A copy of the votes cast by the Fund with respect to portfolio securities for each year ended June 30 th will be filed by the Fund with the SEC on Form N-PX. The Funds proxy voting record will be available to shareholders free of charge upon request by calling or writing the Fund as described above or from the SECs web site.
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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 Funds 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 Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. For a description of the methods used to determine the 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 Funds 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 |
The Fund does not intend to redeem shares in any form except cash. However, if the redemption amount is over the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Funds net 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 Funds 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
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or gift tax, or foreign, state or local tax concerns affecting the Fund and its shareholders (including shareholders owning large positions in the Fund). The discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine the tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.
In addition, no attempt is made to address tax concerns applicable to an investor with a special tax status such as a financial institution, 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. |
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.
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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 Funds total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities, if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of the Funds total assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Funds total assets is invested in the securities other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs of (a) one issuer, (b) two or more issuers that are controlled by the Fund and that are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (c) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.
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.
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
23
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 Funds ordinary income (computed on a calendar year basis), (ii) 98.2% of the Funds capital gain net income (generally computed for the one-year period ending on October 31) and (iii) any income realized, but not distributed, and on which the Fund paid no federal income tax in preceding years. The Fund generally intends to make distributions in a timely manner in an amount at least equal to the required minimum distribution and therefore, under normal market conditions, does not expect to be subject to this excise tax.
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 Funds 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 Funds current earnings and profits, as losses incurred in later years will. As a result, if the Fund then makes distributions of capital gains recognized during the current year in excess of net capital gains (as reduced by carryforwards), the portion of the excess equal to pre-2011 losses factoring into net capital gain will be taxable as an ordinary dividend distribution, even though that distributed excess amount would not have been subject to tax if retained by the Fund. Capital loss carryforwards are reduced to the extent they offset current-year net realized capital gains, whether the Fund retains or distributes such gains. Beginning in 2011, a RIC is permitted to carry forward net capital losses indefinitely and may allow losses to retain their original character (as short or as long-term). For net capital losses recognized prior to such date, such losses are permitted to be carried forward up to 8 years and are characterized as short-term. These capital loss carryforwards may be utilized in future years to offset net realized capital gains of the Fund, if any, prior to distributing such gains to shareholders.
The Funds 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.
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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 Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds shareholders of such income and gain will not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income. In such event, the Funds distributions, to the extent derived from the Funds current or accumulated earnings and profits, would constitute ordinary dividends, which would generally be eligible for the dividends received deduction available to corporate shareholders, and non-corporate shareholders would generally be able to treat such distributions as qualified dividend income eligible for reduced rates of U.S. federal income, provided in each case that certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied.
Distributions in excess of the Funds current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the shareholders tax basis in their Fund shares, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain. To qualify as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, the Fund would be required to satisfy the source-of-income, the asset diversification, and the annual distribution requirements for that year and dispose of any earnings and profits from any year in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC. Subject to a limited exception applicable to RICs that qualified as such under the Internal Revenue Code for at least one year prior to disqualification and that re-qualify as a RIC no later than the second year following the non-qualifying year, the Fund would be subject to tax on any unrealized built-in gains in the assets held by it during the period in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC that are recognized within the subsequent 10 years, unless the Fund made a special election to pay corporate-level tax on such built-in gain at the time of its re-qualification as a RIC.
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Taxation of U.S. Shareholders
Distributions paid to U.S. shareholders by the Fund from its investment company taxable income (which is, generally, the Funds ordinary income plus net realized short-term capital gains in excess of net realized long-term capital losses) are generally taxable to U.S. shareholders as ordinary income to the extent of the Funds earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Such distributions (if designated by the Fund) may qualify (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders under Section 243 of the Internal Revenue Code to the extent that the Funds income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations, excluding distributions from tax-exempt organizations, exempt farmers cooperatives or 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 Funds earnings and profits will be treated by the U.S. shareholder, first, as a tax-free return of capital, which is applied against and will reduce the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. shareholders shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gain to the U.S. shareholder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset). Generally, not later than sixty days after the close of its taxable year, the Fund will provide the shareholders with a written notice designating the amount of any qualified dividend income or capital gain dividends and other distributions.
As a RIC, the Fund will be subject to the AMT, but any items that are treated differently for AMT purposes must be apportioned between the Fund and the shareholders and this may affect the shareholders AMT liabilities. Although regulations explaining the precise method of apportionment have not yet been issued by the IRS, the Fund intends, in general, to apportion these items in the same proportion that dividends paid to each shareholder bear to the Funds 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
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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 Funds 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 shareholders gross income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholders.
Sales and other dispositions of the shares of the Fund generally are taxable events. U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax adviser with reference to their individual circumstances to determine whether any particular transaction in the shares of the Fund is properly treated as a sale or exchange for federal income tax purposes, as the following discussion assumes, and the tax treatment of any gains or losses recognized in such transactions. The sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund will generally result in capital gain or loss to the shareholder equal to the difference between the amount realized and his adjusted tax basis in the shares sold or exchanged, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year at the time of sale. Any loss upon the sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain dividend) by such shareholder with respect to such shares. A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund generally will be disallowed if other substantially identical shares are acquired within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed. In such case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gain of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary income of corporations. For non-corporate taxpayers, short-term capital gain will currently be taxed at the rate applicable to ordinary income, while long-term capital gain generally will be taxed at a maximum rate of 20%. Capital losses are subject to certain limitations.
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The Fund has chosen average cost as its standing (default) tax lot identification method for all shareholders. A tax lot identification method is the way the Fund will determine which specific shares are deemed to be sold when there are multiple purchases on different dates at differing NAVs, and the entire position is not sold at one time. The Funds standing tax lot identification method is the method covered shares will be reported on your Consolidated Form 1099 if you do not select a specific tax lot identification method. You may choose a method different than the Funds standing method and will be able to do so at the time of your purchase or upon the sale of covered shares. Please refer to the appropriate 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 Funds taxable income (and required to be distributed by the Fund) over the term of the debt obligation, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security.
Some debt obligations (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. Very generally, market discount is the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation (or in the case of an 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 Funds income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The rate at which the market discount accrues, and thus is included in the Funds income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects. In the case of higher-risk securities, the amount of market discount may be unclear.
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Some debt obligations (with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as having acquisition discount (very generally, the excess of the stated redemption price over the purchase price), or OID in the case of certain types of debt obligations. The Fund will be required to include the acquisition discount, or OID, in income (as ordinary income) over the term of the debt obligation, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt obligations having acquisition discount, or OID, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.
In addition, payment-in-kind securities will, and commodity-linked notes may, give rise to income that is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.
If the Fund holds the foregoing kinds of securities, it may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary (including when it is not advantageous to do so). The Fund may realize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution than they would in the absence of such transactions.
Tax-Exempt Shareholders. A tax-exempt shareholder could recognize Unrelated Business Taxable Income (UBTI) by virtue of its investment in the Fund if shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 514(b). Furthermore, a tax-exempt shareholder may recognize UBTI if the Fund recognizes excess inclusion income derived from direct or indirect investments in residual interests in Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits (REMICs) or equity interests in Taxable Mortgage Pools (TMPs) if the amount of such income recognized by the Fund exceeds the Funds investment company taxable income (after taking into account deductions for dividends paid by the Fund).
In addition, special tax consequences apply to charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) that invest in regulated investment companies that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs. Under legislation enacted in December 2006, a CRT (as defined in section 664 of the Internal Revenue Code) that realizes any UBTI for a taxable year, must pay an excise tax annually of an amount equal to such UBTI. Under IRS guidance issued in October 2006, a CRT will not recognize UBTI solely as a result of investing in the Fund that recognizes excess inclusion income. Rather, if at any time during any taxable year a CRT (or one of certain other tax-exempt shareholders, such as the United States, a state or political subdivision, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, and certain energy cooperatives) is a record holder of a share in the Fund that recognizes excess inclusion income, then the regulated investment company will be subject to a tax on that portion of its excess inclusion income for the taxable year that is allocable to such shareholders, at the highest federal corporate income tax rate. The extent to which this IRS guidance remains applicable in light of the December 2006
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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 shareholders distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholders interest in the Fund. The Fund has not yet determined whether such an election will be made. CRTs and other tax-exempt investors are urged to consult their tax advisers concerning the consequences of investing in the Fund.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies. A passive foreign investment company (PFIC) is any foreign corporation: (i) 75% or more of the gross income of which for the taxable year is passive income, or (ii) the average percentage of the assets of which (generally by value, but by adjusted tax basis in certain cases) 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 PFICs income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives any distribution from the PFIC. Alternatively, the Fund may make an election to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in its PFIC holdings to the market as though it had sold and repurchased its holdings in those PFICs on the last day of the Funds taxable year. Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income and loss. The QEF and mark-to-market elections may accelerate the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and increase the amount required to be distributed by the Fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections therefore may require the Fund to liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirement, which also may accelerate the recognition of gain and affect the Funds total return. Dividends paid by PFICs will not be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income.
Because it is not always possible to identify a foreign corporation as a PFIC, the Fund may incur the tax and interest charges described above in some instances.
Foreign Currency Transactions. The Funds transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt obligations and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned. Any such net gains could require a larger dividend toward the end of the calendar year. Any such net losses will generally reduce and potentially require the recharacterization of prior ordinary income distributions. Such ordinary income treatment may accelerate Fund distributions to shareholders and increase the distributions taxed to shareholders as ordinary income. Any net ordinary losses so created cannot be carried forward by the Fund to offset income or gains earned in subsequent taxable years.
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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 RICs 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 RICs 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 Funds total assets at the close of its taxable year consist of stocks or securities of foreign corporations, then the Fund should be eligible to file an election with the IRS that may enable its shareholders to receive either the benefit of a foreign tax credit, or a tax deduction, with respect to any foreign and U.S. possessions income taxes paid by the Fund, subject to certain limitations.
Foreign Shareholders. Capital Gain Dividends are generally not subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax. Absent a specific statutory exemption, dividends other than Capital Gain Dividends paid by the Fund to a shareholder that is not a U.S. person within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code (such shareholder, a foreign shareholder) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) even if they are funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest, short-term capital gains, or foreign-source dividend and interest income) that, if paid to a foreign person directly, would not be subject to withholding.
A regulated investment company is not required to withhold any amounts (i) with respect to distributions (other than distributions to a foreign person (w) that does not provide a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. person, (x) to the extent that the dividend is attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign person is the issuer or is a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (y) that is within a foreign country that has inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (z) to the extent the dividend is attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign person and the foreign person is a controlled foreign corporation) from U.S.-source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, to the extent such distributions are properly reported as such by the Fund in a written notice to shareholders (interest-related dividends), and (ii) with respect to distributions (other than (a) distributions to an individual foreign person who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (b) distributions subject to special rules regarding the disposition of U.S. real property interests as described below) of net
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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 shareholders 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 holders conduct of that trade or business, the dividend will be subject to U.S. federal net income taxation at regular income tax rates.
If a beneficial holder of 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.
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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 shareholders U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.
FATCA . Payments to a shareholder that is either a foreign financial institution (FFI) or a non-financial foreign entity (NFFE) within the meaning of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) may be subject to a generally nonrefundable 30% withholding tax on: (a) income dividends paid by the Fund after June 30, 2014 and (b) certain capital gain distributions and the proceeds arising from the sale of Fund shares paid by the Fund after December 31, 2016. FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided: (a) by an FFI, subject to any applicable intergovernmental agreement or other exemption, if it enters into a valid agreement with the IRS to, among other requirements, report required information about certain direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI and (b) by an NFFE, if it: (i) certifies that it has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) if it does have such owners, reports information relating to them. The Fund may disclose the information that it receives from its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA. Withholding also may be required if a foreign entity that is a shareholder of the Fund fails to provide the Fund with appropriate certifications or other documentation concerning its status under FATCA.
Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations. Under U.S. Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the Funds shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all regulated investment companies. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayers treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
Shareholder Reporting Obligations With Respect to Foreign Financial Assets. Certain individuals (and, if provided in future guidance, certain domestic entities) must disclose annually their interests in specified foreign financial assets on IRS Form 8938, which must be attached to their U.S. federal income tax returns for taxable years beginning after March 18, 2010. The IRS has not yet released a copy of the Form 8938 and has suspended the requirement
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to attach Form 8938 for any taxable year for which an income tax return is filed before the release of Form 8938. Following Form 8938s release, individuals will be required to attach to their next income tax return required to be filed with the IRS a Form 8938 for each taxable year for which the filing of Form 8938 was suspended. Until the IRS provides more details regarding this reporting requirement, including Form 8938 itself and related Treasury regulations, it remains unclear under what circumstances, if any, a shareholders (indirect) interest in the Funds specified foreign financial assets, if any, will be required to be reported on this Form 8938.
Other Reporting and Withholding Requirements. 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.
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
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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.
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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.
U.S. Bank, N.A., 1555 N. Rivercenter Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53212, is custodian of the Funds investments. The custodian acts as the Funds depository, safekeeps its portfolio securities, collects all income and other payments with respect thereto, disburses funds at the Funds request and maintains records in connection with its duties.
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Ultimus), 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, acts as the Funds 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 shareholders account, answers shareholders inquiries concerning their accounts, processes purchases and redemptions of the Funds shares, acts as dividend and distribution disbursing agent and performs other transfer agent and shareholder service functions. Ultimus receives a monthly fee from the Fund of $1.67 per shareholder account (subject to a minimum monthly fee of $1,000 up to 100 shareholder accounts, and $1,500 in excess of 100 shareholder accounts) for these transfer agency services.
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 base fee from the Fund of $2,000 in the Funds first year of operations, $2,250 in the second year, and $2,500 in the third year. In addition, Ultimus receives a monthly fee at an annual rate equal to 0.010% of the Funds average daily net assets up to $500 million, and 0.005% of the Funds average daily net assets over $500 million.
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 Funds average daily net assets up to $100 million, 0.075% of the Funds average daily net assets from $100 million to $250 million, and 0.050% of the Funds average daily net assets over $250 million (subject to a minimum monthly fee of $2,000 during the Funds first year of operations, $2,250 during the second year, and $2,500 thereafter).
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Ultimus also receives a compliance program services fee from the Fund of $1,000 per month, plus 0.010% of the Funds average daily net assets greater than $100,000,000.
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 year ending January 31, 2019. Cohen will perform an annual audit of the Funds financial statements and will provide financial, tax and accounting services as requested.
The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., a member firm of The 1940 Act Law Group, 11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310, Leawood, KS 66211, serves as legal counsel for the Trust and Fund.
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246, is the exclusive agent for distribution of shares of the Fund. Certain officers of the Trust are also officers of the Distributor, and each may be deemed to be an affiliate of the Distributor. The Distributor 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.
You can obtain the Annual Report, when available, without charge by calling Shareholder Services at (800) 824-5041 or upon written request to:
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
P.O. Box 46707
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707
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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 Funds portfolio, is the most knowledgeable and best-suited to make decisions on how to vote proxies of portfolio companies held by that Fund. The Trust shall therefore defer to, and rely on, the Advisor of 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 Funds investment portfolio. Consistent with its duties under this Policy, each Advisor shall monitor and review corporate transactions of corporations in which the Fund has invested, obtain all information sufficient to allow an informed vote on all proxy solicitations, ensure that all proxy votes are cast in a timely fashion, and maintain all records required to be maintained by the Fund under the Proxy Rule and the 1940 Act. Each Advisor shall perform these duties in accordance with the Advisors proxy voting policy, a copy of which shall be presented to this Board for its review. Each Advisor shall promptly provide to the Board updates to its proxy voting policy as they are adopted and implemented.
Conflict of Interest Transactions
In some instances, an Advisor may be asked to cast a proxy vote that presents a conflict between the interests of a Funds shareholders, and those of the Advisor or an affiliated person of the Adviser. In such case, the Advisor is instructed to abstain from making a voting decision and to forward all necessary proxy voting materials to the Trust to enable the Board to make a voting decision. When the Board is required to make a proxy voting decision, only the Trustees without a conflict of interest with regard to the security in question or the matter to be voted upon shall be permitted to participate in the decision of how the Funds vote will be cast. In the event that the Board is required to vote a proxy because an Advisor has a conflict of interest with respect to the proxy, the Board will vote such proxy in accordance with the Advisors proxy voting policy, to the extent consistent with the shareholders best interests, as determined by the Board in its discretion. The Board shall notify the Advisor of its final decision on the matter and the Advisor shall vote in accordance with the Boards decision.
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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 Advisors proxy voting policy and this Policy on such website. A copy of such policies and of each Funds proxy voting record shall also be made available, without charge, upon request of any shareholder of the Fund, by calling the applicable Funds toll-free telephone number as printed in the Funds prospectus. The Trusts administrator shall reply to any Fund shareholder request within three business days of receipt of the request, by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery.
Each Advisor shall provide a complete voting record, as required by the Proxy Rule, for each series of the Trust for which it acts as adviser, to the Trusts administrator within 15 days following the end of each calendar quarter. The Trusts administrator will file a report based on such record on Form N-PX on an annual basis with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than August 31 st of each year.
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JVIF, LLC PROXY VOTING POLICY
The CCO is charged with responsibility to ensure that the adviser implements proxy voting policies and procedures that provide protection against conflicts of interest, adequate record-keeping and disclosures regarding the policies and procedures.
It is the policy of the adviser to vote client proxies in the best economic interests of the clients. Consistent with its fiduciary duty, the adviser will strive to vote in a way that will cause the value of the issue to increase the most or decline the least. The adviser will monitor corporate actions and consideration will be given to both the short and long-term implications of the proposal to be voted on when considering the optimal vote. The adviser will further consider the opinion of management and the effect on management, and the effect on shareholder value and the issuers business practices.
Any general or specific proxy voting guidelines provided by an advisory client or its designated agent in writing will take the place of this policy. Clients may wish to have their proxies voted by an independent third party or other named fiduciary or agent, at the clients cost.
Absent specific voting guidelines by a client, the adviser will generally vote proxies as follows:
| Vote all proxies from a specific issuer the same way for each client |
| Routine corporate proposals such as approval of auditors and election of directors will be voted with management |
| Non-routine corporate proposals (i.e., restructuring efforts, name changes, mergers & acquisitions, stock options plans etc.) will be analyzed with the goal of maximizing shareholder value, but will mostly concur with managements vote |
| Corporate governance proposals (i.e., golden parachutes, poison pills, limitations on officer and director liabilities, cumulative voting etc.) that cause board members to become entrenched or cause unequal voting rights will be voted against |
The CCO is responsible to ensure that records of the advisers proxy voting policies and practices are retained including at minimum:
| Proxy voting policy, including third party supplemental information if applicable (if service bureau is utilized) |
| Record of proxy votes cast |
| Record of disclosure(s) made to clients/investors regarding proxy voting |
| Record of any client/investor requesting the advisers proxy voting policies/record and evidence that responsive information was provided |
40
Governance and Nominating Committee Charter
Valued Advisers Trust
Governance and Nominating Committee Membership
1. | The Governance and Nominating Committee (the Committee) of Valued Advisers Trust (Trust) shall be composed entirely of Independent Trustees. |
Board Nominations and Functions
1. | The Committee shall make nominations for Trustee membership on the Board of Trustees (the Board), including the Independent Trustees. The Committee shall evaluate candidates qualifications for Board membership and their independence from the investment advisers to the Trusts series portfolios and the Trusts other principal service providers. Persons selected as Independent Trustees must not be interested person as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), nor shall Independent Trustee have any affiliations or associations that shall preclude them from voting as an Independent Trustee on matters involving approvals and continuations of Rule 12b-1 Plans, Investment Advisory Agreements and such other standards as the Committee shall deem appropriate. The Committee shall also consider the effect of any relationships beyond those delineated in the 1940 Act that might impair independence, e.g. , business, financial or family relationships with managers or service providers. See Appendix A for Procedures with Respect to Nominees to the Board. |
2. | The Committee shall periodically review Board governance procedures and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the full Board. |
3. | The Committee shall periodically review the composition of the Board to determine whether it may be appropriate to add individuals with different backgrounds or skill sets from those already on the Board. |
4. | The Committee shall periodically review trustee compensation and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the Independent Trustees as a group. |
Committee Nominations and Functions
1. | The Committee shall make nominations for membership on all committees and shall review committee assignments at least annually. |
2. | The Committee shall review, as necessary, the responsibilities of any committees of the Board, whether there is a continuing need for each committee, whether there is a need for additional committees of the Board, and whether committees should be combined or reorganized. The Committee shall make recommendations for any such action to the Board. |
41
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. |
42
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 candidates knowledge in matters relating to the mutual fund industry; (ii) any experience possessed by the candidate as a director or senior officer of public companies; (iii) the candidates educational background; (iv) the candidates reputation for high ethical standards and professional integrity; (v) any specific financial, technical or other expertise possessed by the candidate, and the extent to which such expertise would complement the Boards existing mix of skills, core competencies and qualifications; (vi) the candidates perceived ability to contribute to the ongoing functions of the Board, including the candidates ability and commitment to attend meetings regularly and work collaboratively with other members of the Board; (vii) the candidates ability to qualify as an Independent Trustee and any other actual or potential conflicts of interest involving the candidate and the Trust; and (viii) such other factors as the Governance and Nominating Committee determines to be relevant in light of the existing composition of the Board and any anticipated vacancies. Prior to making a final recommendation to the Board, the Governance and Nominating Committee shall conduct personal interviews with those candidates it concludes are the most qualified candidates. |
43
PART C
FORM N-1A
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 28. Exhibits .
(a)(1) | Certificate of Trust Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed June 16, 2008 (File No. 811-22208). |
(a)(2) | Agreement and Declaration of Trust Incorporated by reference to Registrants Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208). |
(a)(3) | Amended Schedule A to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust Filed herewith. |
(b)(1) | Bylaws Incorporated by reference to Registrants Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208). |
(b)(2) | Amendment, dated September 22, 2009, to Bylaws Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 filed March 16, 2010 (File No. 811-22208). |
(c) | Certificates for shares are not issued. Provisions of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust define the rights of holders of shares of the Trust Incorporated by reference to Registrants Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208). |
(d)(1) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Golub Group, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 filed May 30, 2014 (File No. 811-22208). |
(d)(2) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Long Short Advisors, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208). |
(d)(3) | Investment Subadvisory Agreement between Long Short Advisors, LLC and Prospector Partners, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 filed September 25, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). |
(d)(4) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Kovitz Investment Group Partners, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 filed February 22, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). |
(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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 filed April 16, 2018 (File No. 811-22208). |
(d)(14) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and JVIF, LLC with respect to the Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund Filed herewith. |
(e)(1) | Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Unified Financial Securities, LLC, and Kovitz Investment Group Partners, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 filed February 24, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). |
(e)(2) | Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Unified Financial Securities, LLC, and SMI Advisory Services, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 227 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). |
(e)(3) | Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Unified Financial Securities, LLC, and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 228 filed February 29, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). |
(e)(4) | Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Unified Financial Securities, LLC and Foundry Partners, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 250 filed February 28, 2017 (File No. 811-22208). |
(e)(8) | Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 filed April 16, 2018 (File No. 811-22208). |
(f) | Not applicable. |
(g)(1) | Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank Incorporated by reference to Registrants Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208). |
(g)(2) | Amended Appendix B to the Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 filed April 16, 2018 (File No. 811-22208). |
(g)(3) | Amended Appendix D to the Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208). |
(g)(4) | Custody Agreement between the Trust and US Bank, N.A. Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 245 filed September 28, 2016 (File No. 811-22208). |
(g)(5) | Amendment No. 1 to the Custody Agreement between the Trust and US Bank, N.A. filed herewith. |
(h)(1) | Master Services Agreement between the Trust and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 filed April 16, 2018 (File No. 811-22208). |
(h)(2) | Amended Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Long Short Advisors, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 276 filed February 28, 2018 (File No. 811-22208). |
(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 Registrants 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 Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 filed April 16, 2018 (File No. 811-22208). |
(h)(12) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and JVIF, LLC with respect to the Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund Filed herewith. |
(i)(1) | Opinion and Consent of Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP, Legal Counsel, with respect to Golub Group Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 filed March 10, 2009 (File No. 811-22208). |
(i)(2) | Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to LS Opportunity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208). |
(i)(3) | Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Golub Group Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed September 23, 2013 (File No. 811-22208). |
(i)(11) | Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Dana Large Cap Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 BFS Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 filed September 28, 2017 (File No. 811-22208). |
(i)(15) | Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the SMI 50/40/10 Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 filed April 27, 2018 (File No. 811-22208). |
(i)(16) | Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Dana Small Cap Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 filed November 2, 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 Belmont Theta Income Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 filed April 16, 2018 (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 Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund Filed herewith. |
(i)(19) | Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the merger of the SMI Conservative Allocation Fund and the SMI 50/40/10 Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 filed April 27, 2018 (File No. 811-22208). |
(i)(20) | Tax Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal counsel, with respect to the merger of the SMI Conservative Allocation Fund and the SMI 50/40/10 Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 filed April 27, 2018 (File No. 811-22208). |
(j)(1) | Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to Golub Group Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 277 filed February 28, 2018 (File No. 811-22208). |
(j)(5) | Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Sound Mind Funds Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 filed April 27, 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 filed April 16, 2018 (File No. 811-22208). |
(j)(9) | Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund Filed herewith. |
(k) | Not applicable. |
(l) | Initial Capital Agreement Incorporated by reference to Registrants Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208). |
(m)(1) | Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Golub Group Equity Fund Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 filed March 10, 2009 (File No. 811-22208). |
(m)(2) | Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund (formerly known as the Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund) Incorporated by reference to Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 filed November 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208). |
(o) | Reserved. |
(p)(1) | Code of Ethics for the Trust Incorporated by reference to Registrants Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208). |
(p)(2) | Code of Ethics for Golub Group, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 filed March 10, 2009 (File No. 811-22208). |
(p)(3) | Code of Ethics for Long Short Advisors, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208). |
(p)(4) | Code of Ethics for Unified Financial Securities, LLC and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC Incorporated by reference to Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Registrants 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 Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 filed April 16, 2018 (File No. 811-22208). |
(p)(12) | Code of Ethics for JVIF, LLC Filed herewith. |
(q) | Powers of Attorney Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 260 filed May 31, 2017 (File No. 811-22208); and Incorporated by reference to Registrants Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 filed April 27, 2018 (File No. 811-22208). |
ITEM 29. | Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Registrant . |
No person is controlled by or under common control with the Registrant.
ITEM 30. | Indemnification . |
Reference is made to the Registrants Declaration of Trust, which is filed herewith. The following is a summary of certain indemnification provisions therein.
A person who is or was a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant, or is or was serving at the request of the Trustees as a director, trustee, partner, officer, employee or agent of a corporation, trust, partnership, joint venture or other enterprise shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, as such may be amended from time to time, the Registrants Bylaws and other applicable law. In case any shareholder or former shareholder of the Registrant shall be held to be personally liable solely by reason of his being or having been a shareholder of the Registrant or any series or class of the Registrant and not because of his acts or omissions or for some other reason, the shareholder or former shareholder (or his heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives, or, in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or general successor) shall be entitled, out of the assets belonging to the applicable series (or allocable to the applicable class), to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability in accordance with the Registrants Bylaws and applicable law.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the 1933 Act) may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defenses of any action, suite or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
ITEM 31. | Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser . |
See the Trusts various prospectuses and the statements of additional information for the activities and affiliations of the officers and directors of the investment advisers of the Registrant (the Advisers). Except as so provided, to the knowledge of Registrant, none of the directors or executive officers of the Advisers is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature. The Advisers currently serve as investment advisers to other institutional and individual clients.
ITEM 32. | Principal Underwriters . |
(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 |
||
Kevin M. Guerette* | 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 |
(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 |
||
Kevin M. Guerette* |
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). |
(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). |
(p) | JVIF, LLC, 5850 Canoga Avenue, Suite 400, Woodland Hills, California 91367 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund). |
ITEM 34. | Management Services . |
Not Applicable.
ITEM 35. Undertakings .
Not Applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 (Securities Act) and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant 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. 290 to the Registrants Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Indianapolis, and State of Indiana on this 27th day of April, 2018.
VALUED ADVISERS TRUST | ||
By: |
* |
|
Adam T. Kornegay, 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 27, 2018 |
|||||
Andrea N. Mullins, Trustee | Date | |||||
* |
April 27, 2018 |
|||||
Ira Cohen, Trustee | Date | |||||
* |
April 27, 2018 |
|||||
Mark J. Seger, Trustee | Date | |||||
* |
April 27, 2018 |
|||||
Bryan W. Ashmus, Treasurer and Principal | Date | |||||
Financial Officer |
*By: |
/s/ Carol J. Highsmith |
April 27, 2018 |
||||||
Carol J. Highsmith, Vice President, Attorney in Fact Date |
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
(FOR REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940)
EXHIBIT NO. UNDER PART C OF FORM N-1A |
NAME OF EXHIBIT |
|
(a)(3) | Amended Schedule A to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust | |
(d)(14) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and JVIF, LLC | |
(g)(5) | Amendment No. 1 to the Custody Agreement Between the Trust and U.S. Bank, N.A. | |
(h)(12) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and JVIF, LLC | |
(i)(18) | Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc. | |
(j)(9) | Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd. | |
(p)(12) | Code of Ethics of JVIF, LLC |
SCHEDULE A
VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
PORTFOLIOS AND CLASSES THEREOF
As amended on March 13, 2018
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 50/40/10 Fund
Dana Small Cap Equity Fund
Belmont Theta Income Fund
Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund
VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
INVESTMENT ADVISORY
AGREEMENT
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (the Agreement) made as of this 25th day of April, 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 JVIF, LLC (the Adviser), a California limited liability company with its principal place of business in Woodland Hills, 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 ADVISERS 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 Funds assets shall be held uninvested in cash, subject always to the provisions of the Trusts 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 Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds portfolio securities and performing the Advisers 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 Advisers 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 Trusts 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 Trusts 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 Advisers 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 (Advisers 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 Advisers Code of Ethics. Upon request, the Adviser shall provide the Trust with a (i) copy of the Advisers 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 Advisers 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 Advisers Code of Ethics. The Adviser shall respond to requests for information from the Trust as to violations of the Advisers 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 Advisers 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 Trusts 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 Funds or the Advisers policies, guidelines or procedures with respect to the Fund. In addition, the Adviser shall respond to quarterly requests for information concerning the Funds 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 Funds policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Advisers 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 Funds 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 Advisers 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 Funds 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 Funds 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 Advisers 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 JVIF . The Adviser has the right to use the name JVIF 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 JVIF 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 JVIF. |
(e) | Insurance . The Adviser maintains errors and omissions insurance coverage in the amount disclosed to the Trust in connection with the Boards 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 JVIF . The Adviser grants to the Trust a license to use the name JVIF (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 Advisers 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. | ADVISERS COMPENSATION . Each Fund shall pay to the Adviser, as compensation for the Advisers 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 Funds 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 Trusts Secretary so attesting. Notices to the Trust shall be directed to Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH, 46240, Attention: Mr. Adam T. Kornegay; and notices to the Adviser shall be directed to JVIF, LLC, 5850 Canoga Avenue, Suite 400, Woodland Hills, CA, 91367, Attention: Mr. Evan F. Shorten. |
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 Funds 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 Advisers ability to perform its duties and obligations hereunder. |
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 |
9 | Investment Advisory Agreement |
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 |
||
JVIF, LLC |
||
/s/ Justin Ross |
||
Signature |
||
By: Justin Ross |
||
Title: Co-Founder/Managing Partner |
11 | Investment Advisory Agreement |
Schedule A
Investment Advisory Agreement
between
Valued Advisers Trust (the Trust)
and
JVIF, LLC (the Adviser)
Dated as of April 25, 2018
The Trust will pay to the Adviser as compensation for the Advisers 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 | |||
Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund |
0.90 | % |
A-1 | Investment Advisory Agreement |
FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
THIS Amendment is made and effective as of March 26, 2018, to the Custody Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2016 by and between VALUED ADVISERS TRUST, a Delaware statutory trust (the Trust), and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America (the Custodian).
WHEREAS, the parties have entered into the Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the Agreement to add the Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund , and
WHEREAS, Article XV, Section 15.02 of the Agreement allows for its amendment by a written instrument executed by both parties.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree to amend the following:
1. | Exhibit B is hereby superseded and replaced in its entirety with Exhibit B attached hereto. |
2. | Exhibit C-1, the fee schedule for the Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund is added and attached hereto. |
Except to the extent amended hereby, the Custody Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this First Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date first above written.
VALUED ADVISERS TRUST | U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION | |||||||
By: |
/s/ Matthew J. Miller |
By: |
/s/ Anita M. Zogrodnik |
|||||
Name: Matthew J. Miller | Name: Anita M. Zogrodnik | |||||||
Title: Vice President | Title: Senior VP |
EXHIBIT B
to the Custody Agreement
List of Funds
LS Opportunity Fund (Fee Schedule C at August 2016 applies)
Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund (Fee Schedule C-1 at March 2018 applies)
2
EXHIBIT C-1 to the Custody Agreement
Custody Services Annual Fee Schedule for the Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund
U.S. Bank, N.A., as Custodian, will receive monthly compensation for services according to the terms of the following Schedule:
Annual Fee Based Upon Market Value per Fund*
.70 basis points on the average daily market value of all long securities and cash held in the portfolio.
Minimum annual fee per fund including transaction fees $4,800
Portfolio Transaction Fees:
| $ 4.00 Book entry DTC transaction, Federal Reserve transaction, principal paydown |
| $ 7.00 Repurchase agreement, reverse repurchase agreement, time deposit/CD or other non-depository transaction |
| $ 8.00 Option/SWAPS/future contract written, exercised or expired |
| $15.00 Mutual fund trade, Margin Variation Wire and outbound Fed wire |
| $50.00 Physical security transaction |
| $ 5.00 per check disbursement |
A transaction is a purchase/sale of a security, free receipt/free delivery, maturity, tender or exchange.
Securities Lending and Money Market Deposit Account (MMDA)
| Negotiable |
Miscellaneous Expenses
All other miscellaneous fees and expenses, including but not limited to the following, will be separately billed as incurred: expenses incurred in the safekeeping, delivery and receipt of securities, shipping, transfer fees, deposit withdrawals at custodian (DWAC) fees, SWIFT charges, negative interest charges, treasury management expenses and extraordinary expenses based upon complexity.
Additional Services
| Additional fees apply for global servicing. Fund of Fund expenses quoted separately. |
| $600 per custody sub account per year (e.g., per sub adviser, segregated account, etc.) |
| Class Action Services $25 filing fee per class action per account, plus 2% of gross proceeds, up to a maximum per recovery not to exceed $2,000. |
| No charge for the initial conversion free receipt. |
| Overdrafts charged to the account at prime interest rate plus 2%, unless a line of credit is in place |
Additional services not included above shall be mutually agreed upon at the time of the service being added. In addition to the fees described above, additional fees may be charged to the extent that changes to applicable laws, rules or regulations require additional work or expenses related to services provided (e.g., compliance with new liquidity risk management and reporting requirements).
* | Subject to annual CPI increase All Urban Consumers U.S. City Average. |
Fees are calculated pro rata and billed monthly.
3
Additional Global Sub-Custodial Services Annual Fee Schedule
A monthly base fee per fund will apply based on the number of foreign securities held. If no global assets are held within a given month, the monthly base charge will not apply for that month.
| 125 foreign securities $500; 2650 foreign securities $1,000; Over 50 foreign securities $1,500 |
| Euroclear Eurobonds only. Eurobonds are held in Euroclear at a standard rate, but other types of securities (including but not limited to equities, domestic market debt and mutual funds) will be subject to a surcharge. In addition, certain transactions that are delivered within Euroclear or from a Euroclear account to a third party depository or settlement system, will be subject to a surcharge. |
| For all other markets specified in above grid, surcharges may apply if a security is held outside of the local market. |
Miscellaneous Expenses
| Tax reclaims that have been outstanding for more than 6 (six) months with the client will be charged $50 per claim. |
| Charges incurred by U.S. Bank, N.A. directly or through sub-custodians for account opening fees, local taxes, stamp duties or other local duties and assessments, stock exchange fees, foreign exchange transactions, postage and insurance for shipping, facsimile reporting, extraordinary telecommunications fees, proxy services and other shareholder communications, recurring administration fees, negative interest charges, overdraft charges or other expenses which are unique to a country in which the client or its clients is investing will be passed along as incurred. |
| A surcharge may be added to certain miscellaneous expenses listed herein to cover handling, servicing and other administrative costs associated with the activities giving rise to such expenses. Also, certain expenses are charged at a predetermined flat rate. |
| SWIFT reporting and message fees. |
4
Margin Management Services
Requires U.S. Bank as custodian for all assets
$30,000 annual program fee (includes up to 4 Account Control Agreements)
$7,500 annual fee per each additional Account Control Agreement.
Fees are calculated pro rata and billed monthly
Extraordinary Services
Extraordinary services are duties or responsibilities of an unusual nature, including termination, but not provided for in the governing documents or otherwise set forth in this schedule. A reasonable charge will be assessed based on the nature of the service and the responsibility involved. At our option, these charges will be billed at a flat fee or at our hourly rate then in effect.
Account approval is subject to review and qualification. Fees are subject to change at our discretion and upon written notice. The fees set forth above and any subsequent modifications thereof are part of your agreement. Finalization of the transaction constitutes agreement to the above fee schedule, including agreement to any subsequent changes upon proper written notice. In the event your transaction is not finalized, any related out-of-pocket expenses will be billed to the client directly. Absent your written instructions to sweep or otherwise invest, all sums in your account will remain uninvested and no accrued interest or other compensation will be credited to the account. Payment of fees constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth.
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. For a non-individual person such as a business entity, a charity, a Trust, or other legal entity, we ask for documentation to verify its formation and existence as a legal entity. We may also ask to see financial statements, licenses, identification and authorization documents from individuals claiming authority to represent the entity or other relevant documentation.
* | Subject to annual CPI increase All Urban Consumers U.S. City Average |
5
VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into effective as of April 25, 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 JVIF, LLC (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 April 25, 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 Funds expense ratios within the Operating Expense Limit, as defined below;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. | EXPENSE LIMITATION . |
(a) | Applicable Expense Limit . To the extent that the aggregate expenses of every character, including but not limited to investment advisory fees of the Adviser (but excluding (i) interest, (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage commissions, (iv) other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (v) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Funds business, (vi) dividend expense on short sales, and (vii) expenses incurred under a plan of distribution adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act), incurred by the Fund in any fiscal year (Fund Operating Expenses), that exceed the Operating Expense Limit, as defined in Section 1(b) below, such excess amount (the Excess Amount) shall be the liability of the Adviser. In determining the Fund Operating Expenses, expenses that the Fund would have incurred but did not actually pay because of expense offset or brokerage/service arrangements shall be added to the aggregate expenses so as not to benefit the Adviser. Additionally, fees reimbursed to the Fund relating to brokerage/services arrangements shall not be taken into account in determining the Fund Operating Expenses so as to benefit the Adviser. Finally, the Operating Expense Limit described in this Agreement excludes any acquired fund fees and expenses as that term is described in the prospectus of the Fund. |
(b) | Operating Expense Limit . The Funds maximum operating expense 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. |
(c) |
Method of Computation . To determine the Advisers liability with respect to the Excess Amount, each month the Fund Operating Expenses for the Fund shall be annualized as of |
1 | Expense Limitation Agreement |
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 Funds accrual, if any, to reimburse the Adviser for the Reimbursement Amount, each month the Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund shall be annualized as of the last day of the month. If the annualized Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund for any month are less than the Operating Expense Limit 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 Trusts directors, officers, employees, agents, or shareholders, whether past, present or future shall be personally liable therefor. |
3. | TERM, MODIFICATION AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT . |
This Agreement with respect to the Fund shall continue in effect until the expiration date set forth on Schedule A (the Expiration Date). With regard to the Operating Expense Limits, the Trusts Board of Trustees and the Adviser may terminate or modify this Agreement prior to the Expiration Date only by mutual written consent. This Agreement shall terminate automatically
2 | Expense Limitation Agreement |
upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement; provided, however, that the obligation of the Trust to reimburse the Adviser with respect to a Fund shall survive the termination of this Agreement unless the Trust and the Adviser agree otherwise.
4. | MISCELLANEOUS . |
(a) | Captions . The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no other way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. |
(b) | Interpretation . Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust or the Fund to take any action contrary to the Trusts Declaration of Trust or Bylaws, or any applicable statutory or regulatory requirement to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trusts Board of Trustees of its responsibility for and control of the conduct of the affairs of the Trust or the Fund. |
(c) | Definitions . Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement, including but not limited to the investment advisory fee, the computations of net asset values, and the allocation of expenses, having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from the terms and provisions of the 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 |
JVIF, LLC |
||
/s/ Justin Ross |
||
Signature |
||
Co-Founder/Managing Partner |
||
Title |
4 | Expense Limitation Agreement |
Schedule A
to the
Expense Limitation Agreement
between
Valued Advisers Trust (the Trust)
and
JVIF, LLC (the Adviser)
Dated as of April 25, 2018
Fund |
Operating Expense Limit | Effective Date | Expiration Date | |||||||||
Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund |
1.36 | % | * | 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 Funds prospectus and statement of additional information is declared effective. |
A-1 | Expense Limitation Agreement |
|
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 27, 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 Trusts 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 Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund (the Fund), a new portfolio series of the Trust. We understand that the Amendment will be filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act and that our opinion is required to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
In reaching the opinions set forth below, we have examined, among other things, copies of the Trusts 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 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 27, 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. 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 trusts 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 Trusts Registration Statement and the Amendment, 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.
Valued Advisers Trust
April 27, 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. |
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 Six Thirteen Core Equity Fund, a series of Valued Advisers Trust, under the headings Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in the Statement of Additional Information.
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
Cleveland, Ohio
April 26, 2018
CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT
An investment adviser is a fiduciary and owes its clients the highest duty of loyalty, relying on each employee to avoid conduct that is or may be inconsistent with that duty. All officers and employees of JVIF, LLC have responsibilities that directly and indirectly reflect upon the reputation and successful business operation of JVIF. The trust and confidence of clients and vendors is essential. All employees will be responsible for ensuring that honesty and integrity are among the highest priorities. It is also important for employees to avoid actions that, while they may not actually involve a conflict of interest or an abuse of client trust, may have the appearance of impropriety.
G ENERAL
The adviser has established and will maintain and enforce a written code of ethics. This code of ethics sets forth policies and procedures, including the imposition of restrictions on itself and employees, to the extent reasonably necessary to prevent certain violations of applicable law. This Code of Ethics and Conduct (the Code) is intended to set forth those policies and procedures and to describe the advisers broader policies regarding its duty of loyalty to clients.
B ASIC P RINCIPLES
This Code is based on a few basic principles that should govern all investment related activities of employees, personal as well as professional: (1) the interests of the advisers clients come before the advisers or any employees interests; (2) each employees professional activities and personal investment activities must be consistent with this Code and avoid any actual or potential conflict between the interests of clients and those of the adviser or the employee; and (3) those activities must be conducted in a way that avoids any abuse of an employees position of trust with and responsibility to the adviser and its clients, including taking inappropriate advantage of that position.
Employees must conduct all advisory activities in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws, and other laws, rules and regulations, any applicable laws of foreign jurisdictions, and adviser policies and procedures that have been adopted (or that may in the future be adopted), as each may be amended from time to time, including without limitation those prohibiting insider trading and front running.
P ERSONAL C ONDUCT
All employees should always be mindful of the advisers positions and reputation in the community. Since success depends in part on public trust, employees should conduct personal affairs so as to avoid discrediting or embarrassing JVIF. Personal behavior and appearance should be governed by common sense and good taste.
While conducting business or representing the adviser, all employees are expected not to discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, sex, veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
C HIEF C OMPLIANCE O FFICER
Many of the specific procedures, standards, and restrictions described in this Code involve consultation with the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). A senior principal of the adviser will designate the CCO.
S ECURITY
For purposes of this Code, the term security includes not only stocks, but also options, rights, warrants, futures contracts, convertible securities or other securities in which the advisers clients may invest or as to which the adviser may make recommendations (sometimes also referred to as related securities).
C OVERED A CCOUNTS
Many of the procedures, standards and restrictions in this Code govern activities in Covered Accounts. Covered Accounts consist of:
1. | Securities accounts of which the adviser is a beneficial owner, except for investment partnerships or other funds of which the adviser or any affiliated entity is the general partner, investment adviser or investment manager or from which the adviser or such affiliated entity receives fees based on capital gains. |
2. | Each securities account registered in an employees name and each account or transaction in which an employee has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership interest (other than accounts of investment limited partnerships or other investment funds not specifically identified by the CCO as Covered Accounts) |
B ENEFICIAL O WNERSHIP
Beneficial ownership of securities includes not only securities a person owns directly or securities owned by others specifically for his or her benefit, but also (i) securities held by his or her spouse, minor children and relatives who live full time in his or her home, and (ii) securities held by another person if by reason of any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement the employee obtains benefits substantially equivalent to ownership.
P ERSONAL T RADING AND I NVESTMENT A CTIVITY
The adviser imposes specific requirements related to each covered persons personal trading and investment activity.
The adviser considers the effects of various types of trading, including short term trading and trading in new issues as a potential conflict of interest. Similarly, the adviser may impose specific requirements related to investments in private placements.
The adviser may decline any proposed trade by an employee that:
| Involves a security that is being or has been purchased or sold by the adviser on behalf of any client account or is being considered for purchase or sale |
| Is otherwise prohibited under any internal policies of the adviser (such as the advisers Policy and Procedures to Detect and Prevent Insider Trading ) |
| Breaches the employees fiduciary duty to any client |
| Is otherwise inconsistent with applicable law, including the Advisers Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) |
| Creates an appearance of impropriety |
The Procedures section addresses the advisers specific procedures for these types of investments and trading.
S ERVICE AS A D IRECTOR
No employee may serve as a director of a publicly-held company without prior approval of the CCO (or a senior principal) based upon a determination that service as a director would not negatively impact the interests of any client. Whenever service is authorized, the CCO will establish procedures to ensure an employee serving as a director will be segregated from other employees who are involved in making decisions as to the securities of that company, if applicable. These practices may also constitute illegal insider trading. Some of the specific trading rules described below are also intended, in part, to prevent front running and scalping. If an account is managed on a fully discretionary basis by an investment adviser other than the adviser, these rules will not apply if the employee(s) who has (have) a beneficial ownership interest in the account does not have or exercise any discretion. Such accounts will remain subject to the reporting requirements set forth in the next section of this Code.
G IFTS AND E NTERTAINMENT
A gift of nominal value is defined as cash, cash equivalent, physical item, service, or event tickets with a value not to exceed $100.00. Any gifts given or received by the adviser or any of its employees are considered in aggregate whether or not they were given/received by the same or different people at the adviser or the other firm or party.
An entertainment event includes any conference, meal or sponsored outing.
No employee or member of an employees immediate family may receive any gift of more than nominal value from any person or entity including clients and their service providers, vendors and competitors. Gifts of nominal value are subject to disclosure requirements as outlined in the Procedures Section below.
No employee or member of an employees immediate family may send any gift of more than nominal value to any person or entity including clients and their service providers, vendors and competitors. Procedures for gifts of nominal value are outlined in the Procedures Section below.
Advisory employees are generally permitted to attend an approved entertainment event provided that the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the advisers business, and provided that the employee AND the vendor, service provider or client paying for the event must be in attendance.
Similarly, employees may invite clients to an event provided that the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the advisers business, and the event has been approved by the CCO or another advisory principal.
Records of Expenses
Employees must submit to the CCO detailed records of the nature and expense of business entertainment that includes the following information, at minimum:
| Date(s) of business entertainment |
| Client or vendor and employee names |
| Description of the activity |
| Cost of the activity |
B ORROWING OR L OANING M ONEY
Borrowing money or securities from a client is prohibited, unless the client is a broker-dealer, an affiliate of the investment adviser, or a financial institution engaged in the business of loaning funds. Loaning money to a client is prohibited unless the client is an affiliate of the investment adviser. Any exceptions to this policy must be preapproved by the CCO.
D UTIES OF C ONFIDENTIALITY
All client information including that relating to clients, portfolios and activities and to proposed recommendations is strictly confidential. Client account information may not be disclosed, except to authorized persons, to comply with a legal order or to the applicable governing regulatory organizations for JVIF. This procedure does not impede any employees right to make a report directly to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). (See the Reporting Violations of the Code (Whistleblower) detailed below).
G ENERAL E THICAL C ONDUCT
The following are potentially compromising situations that must be avoided:
| Causing the adviser, acting as principal for its own account or for any account in which the adviser or any person associated with the adviser to sell any security to or purchase any security from a client in violation of any applicable law, rule or regulation of a governmental agency |
| Communicating any information regarding the adviser, the advisers investment products or any client to prospective clients, journalists, or regulatory authorities that is not accurate or fails to state a material fact |
| Engaging in any act, practice, or course of business that is fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative, particularly with respect to a client or prospective client |
| Revealing confidential information about the adviser or its clients |
| Engaging in any conduct that is not in the best interest of the adviser or might appear to be improper |
| Engaging in any financial transaction with any of the advisers vendors, clients or employees without prior CCO approval |
| Engaging in any form of harassment |
| Improperly using or authorizing the use of any inventions, programs, technology or knowledge that are the proprietary information of the adviser |
| Investing or holding outside interests or directorships in client, vendor, customer or competing companies (including financial speculations), where such investments or directorships might influence a decision or course of action of the adviser |
| Making any agreement with vendors or other organizations without prior approval of the CCO |
| Unlawfully discussing trading practices, pricing, clients, research, strategies, processes or markets with competing companies or their employees |
M ISAPPROPRIATION
Misappropriating client funds is prohibited. Examples of such acts include (1) unauthorized wire or other transfers in and out of client accounts; (2) borrowing client funds; (3) stealing client checks that are intended to be added or debited to existing accounts; and (4) liquidating client securities and taking the proceeds.
I NSIDER T RADING
The adviser has adopted the following policies and procedures to detect and prevent the misuse of material, nonpublic information by employees of the adviser.
Policy Statement on Insider Trading
The adviser prohibits any officer, director or employee from trading, either personally or on behalf of others, on material nonpublic information or communicating material nonpublic information to others in violation of the law. This conduct is frequently referred to as insider trading. The advisers policy applies to every officer, director and employee and extends to activities within and outside their duties. Any questions regarding the advisers policy and procedures should be referred to the CCO.
The term insider trading is not defined in the federal securities laws, but generally is used to refer to the use of material nonpublic information to trade in securities (whether or not one is an insider) or to communications of material nonpublic information to others.
While the law concerning insider trading is dynamic, it is generally understood that the law prohibits the following:
| Trading by an insider while in possession of material nonpublic information |
| Trading by a non-insider, while in possession of material nonpublic information, where the information either was disclosed to the non-insider in violation of an insiders duty to keep it confidential or was misappropriated |
| Communicating material nonpublic information to others in violation of ones duty to keep such information confidential |
Insider
The definition of an insider is broad. It includes officers, directors and employees of a company. In addition, a person can be a temporary insider if he or she enters a special confidential relationship in the conduct of a companys affairs and as a result is given access to information solely for the companys purposes. A temporary insider can include certain outsiders such as, among others, a companys attorneys, accountants, consultants, bank lending officers, and the employees of such organizations.
M ATERIAL I NFORMATION
While covered persons are prohibited from trading on inside information, trading on inside information is not a basis for liability unless the information is material. Information generally is material if there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable person would consider it important in making his or her investment decisions, or if public dissemination of the information is reasonably certain to have a substantial effect on the price of a companys securities. Information that should be presumed to be material includes but is not limited to: dividend changes; earnings estimates; changes in previously released earnings estimates; significant merger or acquisition proposals or agreements; commencement of or developments in major litigation; liquidation problems; and extraordinary management developments.
Questions one might ask in determining whether information is material include:
| Is this information that a client 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? |
| Is the information nonpublic? To whom has this information been provided? Has the information been effectively communicated to the marketplace by being published in a recognized national distribution agency or publication such as Reuters, The Wall Street Journal or other such widely circulated publications? |
Caution must be exercised however, because material information does not necessarily have to relate to a companys business.
Nonpublic Information
Information is nonpublic until it has been effectively communicated to the market place. One must be able to point to some fact to show that the information is generally public. For example, information found in a report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or appearing in Dow Jones, Reuters Economic Services, The Wall Street Journal or other publications of general circulation would be considered public.
Types of Liability
A non-insider can enter into a confidential relationship with the company through which they gain information or they can acquire a fiduciary duty to the companys shareholders as tippees if they are aware or should have been aware that they have been given confidential information by an insider.
In the tippee situation, a breach of duty occurs only if the insider personally benefits, directly or indirectly, from the disclosure. It is important to note that the benefit does not have to be monetary; it can be a gift and can even be a reputational benefit that will translate into future earnings.
Penalties for Insider Trading
Penalties for trading on or communicating material nonpublic information are severe, both for individuals involved in the trading (or tipping) and their employers. A person 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 |
| Damages in a civil suit as much as three times the amount of actual damages suffered by other buyers or sellers |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Prohibition from employment in the securities industry |
In addition, any violation of this policy statement can be expected to result in serious disciplinary measures by the adviser, including dismissal of the persons involved.
R EPORTING V IOLATIONS OF THE C ODE (W HISTLEBLOWER )
Knowing what types of regulatory and compliance breaches must be reported is the job of every associated person of the adviser. Advisory personnel are required to report any apparent, suspect or known violation of the code to the CCO or to a partner of the firm if the CCO is not reachable or is involved in the breach. Examples of compliance breaches that should be reported include, but are not limited to:
| Noncompliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations |
| Fraud or illegal acts involving any aspect of the advisers business |
| Material misstatements in regulatory filings, internal books and records, and client records or reports |
| Activity that is harmful to clients |
| Deviations from required controls and procedures that safeguard clients and the adviser |
| Customer grievances |
| Other concerns |
Such reports will be treated confidentially to the extent permitted by law and investigated promptly and appropriately. Retaliation against an individual who reports a violation is prohibited and constitutes a further violation of the Code.
Any violation of the Code may result in disciplinary action that the adviser deems appropriate, including but not limited to a warning, fines, disgorgement, suspension, demotion, or termination of employment. In addition to sanctions, violations may result in referral to civil or criminal authorities where appropriate.
All officers, directors, employees, investment advisory representatives, or other associated persons always retain the right to make a report directly to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
P AY -T O -P LAY
Pay-to-play refers to the practice whereby an adviser or its employees make political contributions for the purpose of obtaining or retaining advisory contracts with government entities relating to private pension plans or municipal securities offerings. The SEC rule 206(4)-5 under the Advisers Act prevents an adviser from making political contributions intended to influence the award of advisory contracts by public officials. General fiduciary principles under the Advisers Act may require an adviser to take reasonable steps to ensure that any political contributions made by it or its employees are not intended to obtain or retain advisory business.
Currently JVIF does not seek to engage in business specifically with governmental entities therefore, political contributions are not monitored. We will continue to monitor if business strategies change.
F IRM P ROCEDURES
The CCO has determined that all employees are covered by the advisers code of ethics. In the following procedures all such persons are referred to as covered persons.
The CCO will assume responsibility for maintaining, in an accessible place, the following materials:
1. | Copy of this code of ethics |
2. | Record of any violation of these procedures for the most recent five years, and a detailed synopsis of the actions taken in response |
3. | Copy of each personal account transaction report submitted by each officer, director and employee of the adviser for the most recent five years |
4. | List of all persons who are or have been required to file personal account transaction reports |
Insider Trading
In an effort to prevent insider trading, the CCO or designee will do the following:
1. | Answer questions and document responses regarding the advisers policy and procedures |
2. | Provide an educational program to familiarize covered persons with the advisers insider trading policy and procedures |
3. | Require each employee to acknowledge his or her receipt and compliance with the insider trading policy and procedures on an annual basis, and retain acknowledgements among the advisers central compliance records |
4. | Resolve issues of whether information received by an employee of the adviser is material and nonpublic and document findings |
5. | Review on a regular basis and update as necessary the advisers insider trading policy and procedures and document any resulting amendments or revisions |
6. | When it is determined that an employee of the adviser has material nonpublic information, implement measures to prevent dissemination of such information and if necessary, restrict covered persons from trading in the securities |
In an effort to detect insider trading, the CCO or designee will perform the following actions:
1. | Review the personal account trading activity reports (or duplicate personal account statements) filed by each officer, director, and employee of the adviser, documenting findings by initialing and dating the forms or reports reviewed |
2. | Require officers, directors and covered persons to submit periodic reports of personal trading activity, and to attest to the completeness of each individuals disclosure of outside securities accounts at the time of hiring and at least annually thereafter |
To determine whether the advisers covered persons have complied with the rules described above (and to detect possible insider trading), the CCO will have access to and will review transactions effected in Covered Accounts within 30 days after the end of each quarter. The CCO will compare transactions in Covered Accounts with transactions in client accounts for transactions or trading patterns that suggest violations of this Policy or potential front running, scalping, or other practices that constitute or could appear to involve abuses of covered persons positions. Annually each covered person must certify that he or she has read and understands this Code, that he or she recognizes that this Code applies to him or her, and that he or she has complied with all of the rules and requirements of this Code that apply to him or her. The CCO is charged with responsibility for collection, review, and retention of the certifications submitted by covered persons.
Personal Account Securities Trading
Although covered persons are not prohibited under this policy from trading securities for their own accounts at the same time that they are involved in trading on behalf of the adviser, they must do so only in full compliance with this Policy and their fiduciary obligations. At all times, the interests of the advisers clients will prevail over the covered persons interest. No trades or trading strategies used by a covered person may conflict with the advisers strategies or the markets in which the adviser is trading. The advisers covered persons may not use the advisers proprietary trading strategies to develop or implement new strategies that may otherwise disadvantage the adviser or its clients. Personal account trading must be done on the covered persons own time without compromising his or her advisory duties. No transactions should be undertaken that are beyond the financial resources of the covered person.
No employee may purchase new publicly offered issues of any securities (New Issue Securities) or may purchase securities of a limited offering for any Covered Account in the public offering of those securities without the prior written consent of the CCO.
Each covered person must, at the onset of employment and immediately following subsequent events involving the acquisition of securities (marriage, inheritance, etc.), disclose to the CCO the identities, amounts, and locations of all securities he/she owns. On an annual basis, each employee will be required to confirm the location of all covered accounts. In all cases, duplicate statements and trade confirmations must be sent directly to the CCO from the custodian. All statements of holdings, duplicate trade confirmations, duplicate account statements, and monthly and quarterly reports will generally be held in confidence by the CCO. However, the CCO may provide access to any of those materials to other members of the advisers management in order to resolve questions regarding compliance with this Policy and regarding potential purchases or sales for client accounts, and the adviser may provide regulatory authorities with access to those materials where required to do so under applicable laws, regulations, or orders of such authorities.
Preclearance: No Covered person may purchase or sell any non-exempt security for any Covered Account without first obtaining prior approval from the CCO (in the case of the CCOs own personal request to purchase or sell a non-exempt security, the CCO shall render prior approval). For purposes of this Policy, the term exempt securities means securities that are direct obligations of the Government of the United States, money market instruments (bankers acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, repurchase agreements and other high quality short-term debt instruments), money market funds, mutual funds (unless the adviser or a control affiliate acts as the investment adviser or principal underwriter for the fund), exchange traded funds (ETFs) unit investment trusts invested exclusively in open-ended mutual funds (unless the adviser or a control affiliate acts as the investment adviser or principal underwriter for any of the funds), and securities traded in accounts over which an employee does not exercise any investment discretion. It is the covered persons obligation to ensure that pre-clearance requests are provided to the CCO. The CCO may take any and all steps it deems appropriate in rendering or denying approval for the proposed trade. In the event that the CCO is not accessible, all pre-clearance requests will be forwarded directly to the managing partner. NO action may be taken until approval is attained. Pre-clearance authorization for a transaction is only valid for the day on which the approval is granted. If the transaction is not completed that day, the covered person must have the proposed transaction approved again. This requirement applies to transactions involving open market orders and limit or other types of securities.
Gifts and Entertainment
The CCO is responsible for supervising the advisers Gift and Entertainment policies. To monitor compliance, employees must report to the CCO:
| Gifts given and received within 5 business days prior to giving or after receiving the gift. |
| Events attended and/or hosted within 5 business days prior to extending an invitation or upon receipt of an invitation to attend an event. |
As evidence of compliance, the adviser will maintain written records of gifts given/received and events attended/sponsored and retain the records among the central compliance files of the adviser.
Misappropriation
To prevent the misappropriation of client funds, the adviser will implement one or more of the following procedures:
| Verify changes of address with the client by requesting such changes in writing from the client or by verifying the change through a telephone call or email to the client. |
| Ensure employees do not have the ability to alter account statements on-line. |
| Closely analyze clients use of any address other than their home address. Use of P.O. boxes, in care of addresses, and other than home addresses are prohibited, or verified by telephone and in writing directly with the client by a supervisor or firm compliance employee. Duplicate confirmations and account statements are sent to the clients home address, whenever possible. |
| If possible, provide clients with access to their account statements on a secure website so that clients can easily verify activity in their accounts. |
| Require each employee who has knowledge of misappropriation client funds to promptly report the situation to the CCO. |
Compliance Breach
The CCO will promptly investigate any reported compliance breach that results in a violation of the Code. Each compliance breach will be recorded in a table or other internal document that is to include such information as:
| Type of breach |
| Description of the breach including how the breach was discovered, how the breach was reported to the firm, and the monetary impact of the breach, if any |
| Date(s) the breach occurred |
| Advisory personnel involved |
| Client(s) involved |
| Status (i.e. Pending; Resolved) |
| Description of the resolution |
Upon resolution, the CCO or designee will print a summary of the matter on JVIF letterhead, sign the summary and retain it internally among the central compliance files along with any other supporting documentation related to the breach.