As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 2014 |
Registration No.333-148723 |
Registration No.811-22172 |
UNITED STATES |
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION |
Washington, D.C. 20549 |
|
FORM N-1A |
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | [x] | |
Pre-Effective Amendment No. |
[ ] | |
Post-Effective Amendment No. (100) |
[x] | |
and/or | ||
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | [x] | |
Amendment No. (101) |
[x] |
WORLD FUNDS TRUST |
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter) |
8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, VA 23235 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
(804) 267-7400 |
(Registrants Telephone Number) |
The Corporation Trust Co. |
Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801 |
(Name and Address of Agent for Service) |
With Copy 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, Suite 310 |
Leawood, KS 66211 |
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this filing. | ||
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box): | ||
[X] | immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b); | |
[ ] | on _____________(date) pursuant to paragraph (b); | |
[ ] | 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1); | |
[ ] | on _____________________(date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1); | |
[ ] | 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2); or | |
[ ] | on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485. |
If appropriate, check the following box: |
|__| This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post- |
effective amendment. |
Title of Securities Being Registered: shares of beneficial interest. |
PROSPECTUS
October 31, 2014
CLASS A SHARES
Ticker: SLATX
This prospectus describes the Strategic Latin America Fund. The Fund is authorized to offer one class of shares.
The U.S. 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS | PAGE |
Fund Summary | |
Investment Objective |
1 |
Fees and Expenses of the Fund |
1 |
Portfolio Turnover |
2 |
Principal Investment Strategies |
3 |
Principal Risks |
4 |
Performance History |
10 |
Investment Adviser |
13 |
Portfolio Manager |
13 |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares |
13 |
Tax Information |
13 |
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Intermediaries |
13 |
Additional Information About Fund Investments | 15 |
Additional Information About Risk | 17 |
Management | 29 |
How to Buy Shares | 32 |
How to Sell Shares | 34 |
General Information | 37 |
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes | 39 |
Distribution Arrangements | 46 |
Financial Highlights | 50 |
For More Information | 52 |
FUND SUMMARY
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Strategic Latin America Fund (the Fund) is to seek income and long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in the Fund. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in the section Distribution Arrangements of this prospectus and in the section Distribution in the Funds statement of additional information.
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(1) Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses have been restated to reflect current contractual arrangements with the Funds new service providers which became effective October 31, 2014. |
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(2) Strategic Asset Management, Ltd. (the Adviser) has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (exclusive of interest, distribution fees pursuant to Rule 12b-1 Plans, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses and dividend expense on short sales)do not exceed 1.55% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. This agreement is in effect until July 31, 2016, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trusts Board of Trustees. The Adviser is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to limitations, for fees it waived and Fund expenses it reimbursed for three years from the date of any such waiver or reimbursement. The Adviser may recoup these amounts if such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed the expense limitation that was in place at the time the fee being recouped was waived. |
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. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
$674 |
$1,096 |
$1,542 |
$2,778 |
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 Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the example, affect the Funds performance . During the Funds most recent fiscal period, the Funds portfolio turnover rate was 176% of the average value of its portfolio.
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Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in Latin American securities ( i.e., equity and debt securities of Latin American companies, sovereign debt of Latin American countries, and investment companies that primarily invest in the securities of issuers in, or seek to track the performance of indices based on, Latin American markets). The Fund defines Latin American countries as countries in Central America (including Mexico) and South America, excluding the Caribbean islands. The Fund considers a company to be a Latin American company if (1) the company is organized under the laws of a country in Latin America or has its principal office in a country in Latin America; (2) at the time of investment the company derived a significant portion ( i.e ., 50% or more) of its total revenues during its most recently completed fiscal year from activities in one or more Latin American countries; or (3) the companys equity securities are traded principally on stock exchanges or over-the-counter markets in Latin America. Latin American countries are generally considered to be developing or emerging market countries.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in countries other than Latin American countries. Although the Fund normally allocates its investments across different countries, the Fund may concentrate its investments in certain countries, which may change from time to time.
The Funds portfolio will be comprised of a mix of: equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, and depository receipts without regard to the market capitalization of the issuer ( i.e ., large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and micro-cap companies); fixed income securities with remaining maturities of up to ten years, including investment grade and high-yield (or junk) corporate bonds, and foreign sovereign and foreign agency debt; money market instruments; exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that trade on U.S. and other exchanges and seek to track the performance of securities indices for the markets, sectors, and industries in which the Fund may invest directly; shares of other investment funds (to the extent permitted by applicable law); and other investments, like CDs and fixed-income linked structured notes, that the Advisor believes are likely to help the Fund achieve its investment objective. The Fund will not invest in junk bonds rated below B- by any of the credit rating agencies. The Fund may also invest in derivatives such as
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options (puts, calls and index options) to amplify returns and to manage risk. A portion of the Funds portfolio may at times be invested in securities of issuers located in Latin America that are not traded on any exchange or in any other established secondary trading market (unlisted securities), to the extent permitted by applicable law (including requirements applicable to investments in illiquid securities). The Funds advisor expects the average portfolio maturity of the Funds fixed income portfolio to be approximately five years.
From time to time, the Fund may engage in short sales and leverage.
The Fund may have a high degree of turnover in its investment portfolio, which may increase its costs and adversely affect the Funds performance.
Principal Risks
Risk is inherent in all investing. A summary description of certain principal risks of investing in the Fund is mentioned below. Before you decide whether to invest in the Fund, carefully consider these risk factors and special considerations associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause you to lose part or all of your investment in the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Market Risk of Equity Securities . By investing in stocks, the Fund may expose you to a sudden decline in the share price of a particular portfolio holding or to an overall decline in the stock market due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. In addition, the Funds equity investments may underperform particular sectors of a given market or the equity market as a whole. The value of your investment in the Fund will fluctuate daily and cyclically based on movements in the stock market and the activities of individual companies in the Funds portfolio.
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Market Risk of Fixed Income Securities . The prices of fixed income securities respond to economic developments, particularly interest rate changes, as well as to changes in an issuers credit rating or market perceptions about the creditworthiness of an issuer. Generally, fixed income securities decrease in value if interest rates rise and increase in value if interest rates fall, and longer-term and lower rated securities are more volatile than shorter-term and higher rated securities. The Funds debt security investments may underperform particular sectors of the debt market or the debt market as a whole.
Foreign Investment Risk . Foreign investment risks include foreign security risk, foreign currency risk and foreign sovereign risk. The prices of foreign securities may be more volatile than the prices of securities of U.S. issuers because of economic and social conditions abroad, political developments, and changes in the regulatory environments of foreign countries. In addition, changes in exchange rates and interest rates may adversely affect the values of the Funds foreign investments. Foreign companies are generally subject to different legal and accounting standards than U.S. companies, and foreign financial intermediaries may be subject to less supervision and regulation than U.S. financial firms. Foreign securities include American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs). Unsponsored ADRs involve additional risks because U.S. reporting requirements do not apply and the issuing bank will recover shareholder distribution costs from changes in share prices and payment of dividends.
Foreign Sovereign Risk . Foreign governments rely on taxes and other revenue sources to pay interest and principal on their debt obligations. The payment of principal and interest on these obligations may be adversely affected by a variety of factors, including economic results within the foreign country, changes in interest and exchange rates, changes in debt ratings, changing political sentiments, legislation, policy changes, a limited tax base or limited revenue sources, natural disasters, or other economic or credit problems.
Emerging Market Risk. Many of the risks with respect to foreign investments are more pronounced for investments in issuers in developing or emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have less government exchange controls, more volatile interest and currency exchange rates, less market regulation, and less developed
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economic, political and legal systems than those of more developed countries. In addition, emerging market countries may experience high levels of inflation and may have less liquid securities markets and less efficient trading and settlement systems.
Latin America Risk . Because the Funds investments will be focused in the Latin American region, the Funds performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within this region and may be more volatile than the performance of funds that invest in more developed countries and regions or funds that focus their investments in more than one region. The Funds performance may be particularly sensitive to social, political and economic conditions in those countries in Latin America in which the Funds investments are concentrated.
Currency Risk. The values of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increase or decrease as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. Dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls and speculation.
Small-Cap and Mid-Cap and Micro-Cap Company Risk . The securities of small-capitalization and mid-capitalization companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements and may have lower trading volumes or more erratic trading than securities of larger, more established companies or market averages in general. In addition, such companies typically are more likely to be adversely affected than large capitalization companies by changes in earning results, business prospects, investor expectations or poor economic or market conditions. Investments in micro-capitalization companies are subject to many of the same risks associated with investments in small-capitalization and mid-capitalization companies, although to a greater degree given their generally much smaller size. Investment in small, mid-sized and micro-capitalization company stocks can be volatile and cause the value of the Funds investments to go up and down, sometimes abruptly or dramatically.
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Large-Cap Company Risk . Larger, more established companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful, smaller companies during periods of economic expansion.
Portfolio Turnover Risk . Active and frequent trading of the Funds portfolio securities may lead to higher transaction costs and may result in a greater number of taxable transactions than would otherwise be the case, which could negatively affect the Funds performance. A high rate of portfolio turnover is 100% or more.
Preferred Stock Risk . Preferred stock represents an equity interest in a company that generally entitles the holder to receive, in preference to the holders of other stocks such as common stock, dividends and a fixed share of the proceeds resulting from a liquidation of the company. The market value of preferred stock is subject to company-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities and is also sensitive to changes in the companys creditworthiness, the ability of the company to make payments on the preferred stock and changes in interest rates, typically declining in value if interest rates rise.
Credit Risk . The Fund may be adversely affected if the issuers of securities that the Fund holds do not make their principal or interest payments on time, if an issuer or guarantor of a debt security held by the Fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with the Fund defaults or is downgraded, or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or if the value of the assets underlying a security declines.
Interest Rate Risk . Generally, fixed income securities decrease in value if interest rates rise and increase in value if interest rates fall, with lower rated securities more volatile than higher rated securities. The duration of these securities affects risk as well, with longer term securities generally more volatile than shorter term securities. Like fixed income securities, preferred stock generally decreases in value if interest rates rise and increases in value if interest rates fall. The Fund also will face interest rate risk if it invests in fixed income securities paying no current interest (such as zero coupon securities and principal-only securities), interest-only securities and fixed income securities paying non-cash interest in the form of other securities.
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Liquidity Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell some or all of the investments that it holds due to a lack of demand in the marketplace or other factors such as market turmoil, or if the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, it may only be able to sell those investments at a loss. Illiquid assets may also be difficult to value. This risk may be more pronounced for the Funds investments in developing or emerging market countries.
High Yield (Junk) Bond Risk . High yield bonds are debt securities rated below investment grade (often called junk bonds). Junk bonds are speculative, involve greater risks of default, downgrade, or price declines and are more volatile and tend to be less liquid than investment-grade securities. Companies issuing high yield bonds are less financially strong, are more likely to encounter financial difficulties, and are more vulnerable to adverse market events and negative sentiments than companies with higher credit ratings.
Short Sales Risk . In connection with a short sale of a security or other instrument, the Fund is subject to the risk that instead of declining, the price of the security or other instrument sold short will rise. If the price of the security or other instrument sold short increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the security or other instrument borrowed to make the short sale, the Fund will experience a loss, which is theoretically unlimited since there is a theoretically unlimited potential for the market price of a security or other instrument sold short to increase.
Derivative Investment Risk - Options . The Funds use of options may involve other risks than those associated with investing directly in the underlying securities or currencies. Derivatives, such as options, involve risks of improper valuation and ambiguous documentation and the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying security or currency. The Fund will realize a gain or loss upon the expiration or closing of the option contract. The risk in writing (selling) a call option is that the Fund gives up the opportunity for profit if the market price of the security increases and the option is exercised. The risk in buying an option is that the Fund pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised.
Leveraging Risk . Certain Fund transactions, including taking short positions in financial instruments, may give rise to a form of leverage.
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Economic leverage can magnify the effects of changes in the value of the Funds investments and make the Fund more volatile. Leverage creates a risk of loss of value on a larger pool of assets than the Fund would otherwise have had, potentially resulting in the loss of all assets. The Fund may also have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations in connection with such transactions.
Structured Note Risk . Structured notes and other related instruments purchased by the Fund are generally privately negotiated debt obligations where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to the performance of a specific asset, benchmark asset, market or interest rate (reference measure). Structured notes expose the Fund to the credit risk of the issuer of the structured product. Structured notes may be leveraged, increasing the volatility of each structured notes value relative to the change in value of the reference measure. The value or interest rate of a structured note may increase or decrease if the value of the reference measure increases. Similarly, the value of a structured note may increase or decrease if the value of the reference measure decreases. Structured notes may also be less liquid and more difficult to price accurately than less complex securities and instruments or more traditional debt securities.
Unlisted/Restricted Securities Risk . Unlisted (or restricted) securities are subject to legal restrictions on their sale. Difficulty in selling these securities may result in a loss, be costly to the Fund or otherwise adversely affect the Fund. Unlisted (or restricted) securities may also be difficult to value.
Convertible Securities Risk . Convertible securities are securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for common or preferred stock. The value of convertible securities may be affected by changes in interest rates, the creditworthiness of their issuers, and the ability of those issuers to repay principal and to make interest payments.
Counterparty Risk . The Fund will be subject to credit risk (that is, where changes in an issuers financial strength or the credit rating of a financial instrument it issues may affect an instruments value) with respect to the amount it expects to receive from counterparties to derivatives transactions (like structured notes) entered into by the Fund. If a
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counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, the value of your investment in the Fund may decline.
Other Investment Company Risk . Investments in shares of other investment companies (including mutual funds and ETFs) will expose the Fund to the risks associated with the securities and other investments held by those other investment companies. In addition, the Fund ability to achieve its investment objective will depend, at least in part, upon the ability of any underlying funds to achieve their investment objectives.
ETF Risk . Investing in an ETF will provide the Fund with exposure to the securities comprising the index on which the ETF is based and will expose the Fund to risks similar to those of investing directly in those securities. Shares of ETFs typically trade on securities exchanges and may at times trade at a premium or discount to their net asset values. In addition, an ETF may not replicate exactly the performance of the benchmark index it seeks to track for a number of reasons, including transaction costs incurred by the ETF, the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or the number of securities held. Investing in ETFs, which are investment companies, may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. The Fund will pay brokerage commissions in connection with the purchase and sale of shares of ETFs.
Management Risk . The skill and judgment of the Adviser in selecting investments will play a significant role in the Funds ability to achieve its investment objective. In addition, it is possible that political and social changes in the Latin America region could adversely affect the Funds advisor and its ability to manage the Fund.
PERFORMANCE HISTORY
The Fund was reorganized on October 31, 2014 from a series of Investment Managers Series Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the Predecessor Fund), to a series of the World Funds Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the Reorganization). The performance information shown below is based upon the average total returns of the Predecessor Fund. The performance information below is intended to serve as an
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illustration of the variability of the Funds return since the Fund is a continuation of the Predecessor Fund and has the same investment objective and investment strategies as that fund. While the Fund is a continuation of the Predecessor Fund and theoretically would have invested in the same portfolio of securities, the Funds performance during the same time period may have been different than the performance of the Predecessor Fund due to, among other things, differences in fees and expenses.
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Predecessor Funds performance from year to year and by showing how the Predecessor Funds average annual returns for the periods indicated compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart figures do not include sales charges that may have been paid when investors bought and sold Class A Shares. If sales charges were included, the returns would be lower. The Predecessor Funds past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available at www.theworldfundstrust.com or by calling toll-free 800-673-0550.
Total Return before Taxes
For each calendar year at NAV
The year-to-date return as of June 30, 2014 was 5.19%.
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During the periods shown in the bar chart, the Class A Shares highest return for a calendar quarter was 16.01% (quarter ending March 31, 2012) and the Class A Shares lowest return for a calendar quarter was (21.92%) (quarter ending September 30, 2011).
Average Annual Total Returns for the Period Ended December 31, 2013
The table below shows how average annual total returns of the Predecessor Funds Class A shares compared to those of the Predecessor Funds benchmark. The table also presents the impact of taxes on the Predecessor Funds Class A Shares. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investors tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
Predecessor Fund* | 1 Year |
Since
Inception (May 3, 2010) |
Return Before Taxes | (17.03%) | (1.05%) |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | (18.52%) | (2.74%) |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | (9.47%) | (1.13%) |
Credit Suisse Latin America Corporate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | (3.90%) | 6.25% |
MSCI EM Latin America Corporate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | (14.19%) | (3.65%) |
Custom Index** (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | (7.48%) | 3.13% |
* |
The Predecessor Fund commenced operations on May 3, 2010. The Fund has the same investment objective, strategies and policies as the Predecessor Fund. |
|
** |
The Custom Index is composed of a 65% weighting in the Credit Suisse Latin America Corporate Bond Index and a 35% weighting in the MSCI EM (Emerging Markets) Latin America IMI Index. |
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Investment Adviser
Strategic Asset Management, Ltd., a Cayman Islands corporation, is the adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Manager
Mauricio Alvarez, Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser, has served as the portfolio manager of the Fund since April 2014.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the Fund on days when the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading through a financial advisor, by mail (Strategic Latin America Fund, 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235), by wire, or by telephone at 1-800-673-0550. Purchases and redemptions by telephone are only permitted if you previously established this option on your account.
Minimum Investments | To Open Your Account | To Add to Your Account |
Direct Regular Accounts | $1,000 | $100 |
Traditional and Roth IRA Accounts | $1,000 | $100 |
Automatic Investment Plan | $1,000 | $50 |
Gift Account for Minors | $1,000 | $100 |
Tax Information
The Funds distributions will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account in which case withdrawals will be taxed.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and
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related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediarys website for more information.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS
Investment Objective
The Funds investment objective is to seek income and long-term capital appreciation. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Funds investment objective is not fundamental, and may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval, upon at least 60 days prior written notice to shareholders.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in Latin American securities ( i.e., equity and debt securities of Latin American companies, sovereign debt of Latin American countries, and investment companies that primarily invest in the securities of issuers in, or seek to track the performance of indices based on, Latin American markets). The Fund defines Latin American countries as countries in Central America (including Mexico) and South America, excluding the Caribbean islands. The Fund considers a company to be a Latin American company if (1) the company is organized under the laws of a country in Latin America or has its principal office in a country in Latin America; (2) at the time of investment the company derived a significant portion ( i.e ., 50% or more) of its total revenues during its most recently completed fiscal year from activities in one or more Latin American countries; or (3) the companys equity securities are traded principally on stock exchanges or over-the-counter markets in Latin America. Latin American countries are generally considered to be developing or emerging market countries.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in countries other than Latin American countries. Although the Fund normally allocates its investments across different countries, the Fund may concentrate its investments in certain countries, which may change from time to time.
The Funds portfolio will be comprised of a mix of: equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, and depository receipts without regard to the market capitalization of the issuer ( i.e ., large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and micro-cap companies); fixed
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income securities with remaining maturities of up to ten years, including investment grade and high-yield (or junk) corporate bonds, and foreign sovereign and foreign agency debt; money market instruments; ETFs that trade on U.S. and other exchanges and seek to track the performance of securities indices for the markets, sectors, and industries in which the Fund may invest directly; shares of other investment funds (to the extent permitted by applicable law); and other investments, like CDs and fixed-income linked structured notes, that the Adviser believes are likely to help the Fund achieve its investment objective. The Fund will not invest in junk bonds rated below B- by any of the credit rating agencies. The Fund may also invest in derivatives such as options (puts, calls and index options) to amplify returns and to manage risk. When the Adviser seeks to amplify returns or generate alpha, it may buy puts or calls on equities indices including directional positions on equity index volatility. When establishing or adding to long equity positions, the Adviser may sell covered calls when an equity security has achieved the Advisers price objective and volatility is attractively priced. The Adviser may seek to manage risk in the Fund by utilizing equity and equity index options to hedge long or short equity positions and to attempt to dampen volatility associated with the overall portfolios market risk.
A portion of the Funds portfolio may at times be invested in securities of issuers located in Latin America that are not traded on any exchange or in any other established secondary trading market (unlisted securities), to the extent permitted by applicable law (including requirements applicable to investments in illiquid securities). The Advisor expects the average portfolio maturity of the Funds fixed income portfolio to be approximately five years.
From time to time, the Fund may engage in short sales and leverage.
The Adviser may frequently re-allocate the Funds portfolio among various asset classes, markets, sectors, and countries in pursuit of investment opportunities that it believes may help the Fund achieve its investment objective. As a result, the Fund may have high degree portfolio turnover, which may increase its costs and adversely affect the Funds performance.
In making investments for the Fund, the Advisor is not constrained by country, industry, sector, or currency. The Adviser uses a blend of
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fundamental analysis, technical analysis, cash flow analysis, assessments of company management and perceived growth potential to identify investments for the Fund. The Advisor also analyzes macroeconomic and political conditions across the region in which it seeks to invest the Funds portfolio as part of its investment process. The Adviser may from time to time conduct on-site visits and undertake a due diligence process of issuers and investment managers across the region in evaluating potential investments for the Funds portfolio. It is possible that the Advisers analytical process may lead to periods of high-volume investment activity on behalf of the Fund ( i.e ., when it identifies investment opportunities) and to periods when the Adviser may be relatively passive ( i.e ., when it identifies no or relatively fewer investment opportunities).
At times and under certain economic and market conditions, a significant portion of the Funds portfolio or the Funds entire investment portfolio may consist of cash, cash equivalents or other highly liquid instruments. These investments will generally be denominated in U.S. Dollars or cash equivalents available in the United States. Such measures could include, but are not limited to, investments in (1) highly liquid short-term fixed income securities issued by or on behalf of municipal or corporate issuers, obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies, commercial paper, and bank certificates of deposit; (2) repurchase agreements involving any such securities; and (3) other money market instruments. For instance, if the performance of the iShares S&P Latin America 40 Index Fund (ILF) declines by at least 2% in one day (or intra-day), or if the Advisor rebalances the Funds holdings in equity and fixed income securities, the Advisor may invest a significant portion of the Funds assets in cash, cash equivalents or other highly liquid instruments while it looks for suitable investment opportunities or to maintain the Funds liquidity. The rebalancing period may extend for a considerable period of time. In these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to achieve its investment objective.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT RISK
The Funds principal risks are mentioned below. Before you decide whether to invest in the Fund, carefully consider these risk factors and special considerations associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause you to lose money.
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Market Risk of Equity Securities . By investing in stocks, the Fund is exposed to a sudden decline in a holdings share price or an overall decline in the stock market due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, the value of your investment will fluctuate on a day-to-day and a cyclical basis with movements in the stock market, as well as in response to the activities of individual companies. In addition, individual companies may report poor results or be negatively affected by industry and/or economic trends and developments. The rights of a companys common stockholders to dividends and upon liquidation of the company generally are subordinated ( i.e ., rank lower) to those of preferred stockholders, bondholders and other creditors of the issuer. The Fund is also subject to the risk that its equity market investments may underperform particular sectors of a given market or the equity market as a whole.
Market Risk of Fixed Income Securities . The prices of fixed income securities respond to economic developments, particularly interest rate changes, as well as to changes in an issuers credit rating or market perceptions about the creditworthiness of an issuer. Prices of fixed income securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Generally, fixed income securities decrease in value if interest rates rise and increase in value if interest rates fall, and lower rated securities are more volatile than higher rated securities. The duration of these securities affects risk as well, with longer term securities generally more volatile than shorter term securities. Duration is a weighted measure of the length of time required to receive the present value of future payments, both interest and principal, from a fixed income security. The Funds debt security investments may underperform particular sectors of the debt market or the debt market as a whole.
Foreign Investment Risk . Foreign investment risk is the risk that the prices of securities of non-U.S. issuers may be more volatile because of economic and social conditions abroad, political developments, and changes in the regulatory environment of foreign countries. In addition, changes in currency and exchange rates may adversely affect the value of the Funds foreign investments. Foreign companies are generally subject to different legal and accounting standards than U.S. companies, and
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foreign financial intermediaries may be subject to less supervision and regulation than U.S. financial firms. The Funds investments in American depository receipts (ADRs) are subject to these risks, even though ADRs are denominated in U.S. Dollars, because changes in currency and exchange rates affect the values of the issuers of ADRs. There also may be less publicly available information about a non-U.S. company than a U.S. company. With respect to some foreign countries, there may be the possibility of expropriation, confiscatory taxation or imposition of other costs and administrative fees on investments and limitations on liquidity of securities. There also may be less government supervision and regulation of foreign broker-dealers, financial institutions, and listed companies than exists in the United States.
Emerging Market Risk . Many of the risks with respect to foreign investments are more pronounced for investments in issuers in developing or emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have government exchange controls, less market regulation, and less developed economic, political and legal systems than those of more developed countries. Their economies also depend heavily upon international trade and may be adversely affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners. Emerging market countries may have fixed or managed currencies that are not free-floating against the U.S. Dollar and may not be traded internationally. Some countries with emerging securities markets have experienced high rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain countries. Emerging securities markets typically have substantially less volume than U.S. markets, securities in these markets are less liquid, and their prices often are more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies. Delays may occur in settling securities transactions in emerging market countries, which could adversely affect the Funds ability to make or liquidate investments in those markets in a timely fashion. In addition, it may not be possible for the Fund to find satisfactory custodial services in an emerging market country, which could increase the Funds costs and cause delays in the transportation and custody of its investments.
The Fund may invest in commercial paper issued by micro-finance institutions. These institutions make loans, which are typically very small,
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that provide the means for people who are not served by traditional banking systems to expand their business or finance their families basic needs by providing access to affordable credit. Investments in the commercial paper issued by these institutions carry many of the same risks associated with investing in emerging market countries, but also are subject to risks associated with the activities of the micro-credit borrowers. For instance, micro-finance loans may be used to fund crop growing and livestock and, as a result, micro-finance loans may be subject to climate and other risks associated with those activities. Micro-credit borrowers generally have low incomes and little or no previous credit history. As a result, micro-finance institutions typically face a significant risk of default on their loans, which may adversely affect their financial condition.
Latin America Risk . Because the Funds investments will be focused in Latin American region, the Funds performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political, and economic conditions within this region and may be more volatile than the performance of funds that invest in more developed countries and regions. The economies of the countries in this region are generally considered emerging market economies. High interest, inflation, and unemployment rates generally characterize each economy. Currency devaluations in any country can have a significant effect on the entire region. Because commodities such as agricultural products, minerals, and metals represent a significant percentage of exports of many of these countries, the economies of those countries are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices.
Some of the currencies in Latin American countries have experienced steady devaluations relative to the U.S. Dollar, and certain of these countries have had to make major adjustments in their currencies from time to time. In addition, governments in many of these countries have exercised and continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. Governmental actions in the future could have a significant effect on economic conditions in these countries, which could affect the companies in which the Fund invests, and therefore, the value of the Funds shares.
Substantial limitations may exist in certain countries with respect to the Funds ability to repatriate investment income, capital or the proceeds or sales of securities. The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or
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refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Fund of any restrictions on investments. Other risks of investing in this region include foreign exchange controls, difficulties in pricing securities, defaults on sovereign debt, difficulties in enforcing favorable legal judgments in local courts, and political and social instability. Legal remedies available to investors in certain of these countries may be less extensive than those available to investors in the United States or other more developed countries. The Funds performance may be particularly sensitive to social, political and economic conditions in those countries in which the Funds investments are more concentrated (i.e., Mexico and Brazil, as of March 31, 2013).
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Foreign Sovereign Risk . Foreign governments rely on taxes and other revenue sources to pay interest and principal on their debt obligations. The payment of principal and interest on these obligations may be adversely affected by a variety of factors, including economic results within the foreign country, changes in interest and exchange rates, changes in debt ratings, changing political sentiments, legislation, policy changes, a limited tax base or limited revenue sources, natural disasters, or other economic or credit problems. It is possible that a foreign sovereign may default on its debt obligations.
Currency Risk . The Funds investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies are subject to currency risk, which means that the value of those securities can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. Dollar. The Fund may invest in foreign currencies to hedge against the risks of variation in currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. Dollar. Such strategies, however, involve certain transaction costs and investment risks, including dependence upon the ability of the Advisor to predict movements in exchange rates. Some countries in which the Fund may invest may have fixed or managed currencies that are not freely convertible at market rates into the U.S. Dollar. Certain currencies may not be internationally traded. Many countries in which the Fund may invest have experienced substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid fluctuation in inflation rates may have negative effects on certain economies and securities markets. Moreover, the economies of some countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as the rate of growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments.
Small-Cap and Mid-Cap and Micro-Cap Company Risk . Investments in securities of small and mid-sized companies may involve greater risks than investing in large capitalization companies, because small and mid-sized companies generally have limited track records and their shares tend to trade infrequently or in limited volumes. Additionally, investments in common stocks, particularly small and mid-sized company stocks, can be volatile and cause the value of the Funds shares to go up and down, sometimes dramatically. Investments in micro-cap companies are subject to many of the same risks associated with investments in small- and mid-cap companies, although to a greater degree given their generally much
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smaller size. These companies have often have inexperienced management teams, limited product lines, and limited financial resources, which could adversely affect their financial performance, particularly in an unfavorable economic environment. Micro-cap companies may be less able to access the securities markets for the purposes of raising capital because, for instance, they may be relatively unknown and unable to attract the interest of investors.
Large-Cap Company Risk . Larger, more established companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful, smaller companies during periods of economic expansion. In addition, large-capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, and may be more prone to global economic risks.
Portfolio Turnover Risk . Active and frequent trading of the Funds securities may lead to higher transaction costs and may result in a greater number of taxable transactions, which could negatively affect the Funds performance. A high rate of portfolio turnover is 100% or more.
Preferred Stock Risk. Preferred stock represents an equity interest in a company that generally entitles the holder to receive, in preference to the holders of other stocks such as common stocks, dividends and a fixed share of the proceeds resulting from a liquidation of the company. Preferred stocks may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. The market value of preferred stock is subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities and is sensitive to changes in the issuers creditworthiness, the ability of the issuer to make payments on the preferred stock and changes in interest rates, typically declining in value if interest rates rise. In addition, a companys preferred stock generally pays dividends only after the company makes required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt. Therefore the value of preferred stock will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the companys financial condition or prospects.
Credit Risk . If an obligor (such as the issuer itself or a party offering credit enhancement) for a security held by the Fund fails to pay amounts due when required by the terms of the security, otherwise defaults, is perceived to be less creditworthy, becomes insolvent or files for
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bankruptcy, a securitys credit rating is downgraded or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines, the value of the Funds investment could decline. If the Fund enters into financial contracts (such as certain derivatives, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, and when-issued, delayed delivery and forward commitment transactions), the Fund will be subject to the credit risk presented by the counterparties.
Interest Rate Risk . Generally, fixed income securities decrease in value if interest rates rise and increase in value if interest rates fall, with lower rated securities more volatile than higher rated securities. The duration of these securities affects risk as well, with longer term securities generally more volatile than shorter term securities. Like fixed income securities, preferred stock generally decreases in value if interest rates rise and increases in value if interest rates fall. The Fund also will face interest rate risk if it invests in fixed income securities paying no current interest (such as zero coupon securities and principal-only securities), interest-only securities and fixed income securities paying non-cash interest in the form of other securities.
Liquidity Risk . Due to a lack of demand in the marketplace or other factors, such as market turmoil, the Fund may not be able to sell some or all of the investments that it holds, or if the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, it may only be able to sell those investments at a loss. Liquidity risk arises, for example, from small average trading volumes, trading restrictions, or temporary suspensions of trading. In addition, when the market for certain investments is illiquid, the Fund may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain sector. Liquidity risk may be more pronounced for the Funds investments in developing countries.
High Yield Junk Bond Risk . High yield bonds involve greater risks of default or downgrade and are more volatile than investment-grade securities. High yield bonds involve a greater risk of price declines than investment-grade securities due to actual or perceived changes in an issuers creditworthiness. In addition, issuers of high yield bonds may be more susceptible than other issuers to economic downturns, which may result in a weakened capacity of the issuer to make principal or interest payments. High yield bonds are subject to a greater risk that the issuer may not be able to pay interest or dividends and ultimately to repay
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principal upon maturity. Discontinuation of these payments could have a substantial adverse effect on the market value of the security. There is no lower limit on the ratings of high yield securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. In addition, the Fund may invest in unrated securities. Lower rated securities and unrated equivalents are speculative and may be in default.
The secondary markets in which lower-rated securities are traded may be less liquid than the markets for higher-rated securities. A lack of liquidity in the secondary trading markets could adversely affect the price at which the Fund could sell a particular high yield security when necessary to meet liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event, such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer, and could adversely affect and cause large fluctuations in the net asset value of the Funds shares. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield securities generally.
Short Sales Risk . In connection with a short sale of a security or other instrument, the Fund is subject to the risk that instead of declining, the price of the security or other instrument sold short will rise. If the price of the security or other instrument sold short increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the security or other instrument borrowed to make the short sale, the Fund will experience a loss, which is theoretically unlimited since there is a theoretically unlimited potential for the market price of a security or other instrument sold short to increase.
Derivative Investment Risk - Options. The Funds use of options may involve other risks than those associated with investing directly in the underlying securities or currencies. Derivatives, such as options, involve the risks of improper valuation and ambiguous documentation and the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying security or currency. Derivatives are also subject to other risks, such as market risk, which is the risk that the value of an investment will fluctuate with movements in the market for the underlying security; interest rate risk, which is the risk that the value of bonds and other securities will fall when interest rates rise; credit risk, which is the risk that the issuers of bonds and other debt securities may not be able to make interest or principal payments; counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party to an agreement will default; and
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liquidity risk, which is the risk that lack of trading volume may make it difficult to sell securities at quoted market prices. In addition, the Funds direct or indirect use of derivatives may increase the taxes payable by shareholders.
Leveraging Risk. The use of leverage, such as entering into options, and short sales, may magnify the Funds gains or losses. Because many derivatives have a leverage component, adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying instrument can result in a loss substantially greater than the amount invested in the derivative itself. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.
Structured Note Risk. Structured notes are derivative securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by reference to an underlying indicator. A structured note may be positively, negatively, or both positively and negatively indexed. That is, the value or interest rate of a structured note may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument or index increases. Similarly, the value of a structured note may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument or index decreases. Further, the change in the principal amount payable with respect to, or the interest rate of, a structured note may be a multiple of the percentage change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying reference instrument or index. Structured notes generally are more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to value than less complex securities or more traditional debt securities. As a result, the Fund may experience difficultly in selling a structured note at an acceptable price. In addition, the Fund will bear the risk that the issuer of a structured note will default, will become bankrupt, or otherwise will be unable to make required payments on the structured note.
Unlisted/Restricted Securities Risk . Unlisted (or restricted) securities are generally subject to legal restrictions on their sale. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or be costly to the Fund. Restricted securities generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, or in a registered public offering. Where registration is required, the holder of a registered security may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time it may be permitted to
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sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the holder might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the security.
Convertible Securities Risk . Convertible securities are securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for common or preferred stock. The values of convertible securities may be affected by changes in interest rates, the creditworthiness of their issuer, and the ability of the issuer to repay principal and to make interest payments. A convertible security tends to perform more like a stock when the underlying stock price is high and more like a debt security when the underlying stock price is low. A convertible security is not as sensitive to interest rate changes as a similar non-convertible debt security and generally has less potential for gain or loss than the underlying stock.
Counterparty Risk: The Fund will be subject to credit risk (that is, where changes in an issuers financial strength or the credit rating of a financial instrument it issues may affect an instruments value) with respect to the amount it expects to receive from counterparties to derivatives transactions (like structured notes) entered into by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, the value of your investment in the Fund may decline.
Other Investment Company Risk . Investments in shares of other investment companies (including mutual funds and ETFs) will expose the Fund to the risks associated with the securities and other investments held by those other investment companies. In addition, the Fund ability to achieve its investment objective will depend, at least in part, upon the ability of any underlying funds to achieve their investment objectives. Certain types of investment companies, such as closed-end investment companies, issue a fixed number of shares that trade on a stock exchange or over-the-counter at a premium or a discount to their NAV. Others are continuously offered at NAV, but may also be traded in the secondary market. If the Fund invests in closed-end investment companies, it may incur added expenses such as additional management fees and trading costs. The Fund limits its investment in shares of other investment companies (including ETFs) to the extent allowed by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). Assets invested in
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other investment companies incur a layering of expenses, including operating costs and advisory fees that you indirectly bear as a shareholder in the Fund.
ETF Risk . ETFs are investment companies that generally seek to track the performance of specific securities indices. ETFs are listed on stock exchanges and can be traded throughout the day at market-determined prices. Investing in one or more ETFs will generally expose the Fund to the risks associated with owning the underlying securities the ETF is designed to track and to management and other risks associated with the ETF itself. The potential lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its value being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities. The level of risk involved in the purchase or sale of ETF shares is generally similar to the risk involved in the purchase or sale of common stock, with the exception that the pricing mechanism for ETF shares is based on a basket of stocks. Disruptions in the markets for the securities underlying ETF shares purchased or sold by the Fund could result in losses on such shares. In addition, as an ETF investor the Fund will bear a proportionate share of an ETFs fees and expenses, which may adversely affect the Funds performance.
Management Risk . The skill of the Adviser in selecting investments will play a significant role in the Funds ability to achieve its investment objective. Among other matters, the Adviser could be incorrect in its analysis of countries, sectors, industries, companies, currencies, the relative attractiveness different types of securities, macroeconomic factors, and government policies with respect to interest rates and other matters of monetary and fiscal policy. Because the Advisor will seek to invest the Funds portfolio in a variety of asset classes and in a number of different markets, this risk will be more pronounced for the Fund than it is for funds that pursue their objectives by investing in particular markets or asset classes. In addition, it is possible that political and social changes in the Latin America region, such as the potential nationalization of certain sectors of the private economy in a Latin American country, could adversely affect the Adviser and its ability to manage the Fund.
For further information about the risks of investing in the Fund, please see the Funds SAI.
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MANAGEMENT
The Investment Adviser
Strategic Asset Management, Ltd., a Cayman Islands corporation with its principal office and place of business in La Paz, Bolivia, is the Funds investment adviser and provides investment advisory services to the Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Trust (the Advisory Agreement). The Adviser was founded in 2009 and its principal address is Calle Ayacucho No. 277, La Paz, Bolivia. The Advisor commenced operation in August 2009 and became registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in January 2010. As of June 30, 2014, the Adviser serves as investment adviser only to the Fund and had $30 million under management.
The Adviser provides the Fund with advice on buying and selling securities. The Adviser also furnishes the Fund with office space and certain administrative services. For its services, the Adviser is entitled to receive an annual management fee of 1.10%, calculated daily and payable monthly, as a percentage of the Funds average daily net assets. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, the Adviser received advisory fees of 0.61% of the Predecessor Funds average daily net assets, net of waivers.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (exclusive of interest, distribution fees pursuant to Rule 12b-1 Plans, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses and dividend expense on short sales) do not exceed 1.55% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. This agreement is in effect until July 31, 2016, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trusts Board of Trustees. The Adviser is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to limitations, for fees it waived and Fund expenses it reimbursed for three years from the date of any such waiver or reimbursement. The Adviser may recoup these amounts if such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed the expense limitation that was in place at the time the fee being recouped was waived.
Fee waivers and reimbursements by the Adviser with regard to the Predecessor Fund will continue to be recoverable. Such recoupment was
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approved by shareholders in connection with the reorganization of the Predecessor Fund into the Trust.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Boards approval of the Advisory Agreement will be available in the Funds Semi-Annual Report to shareholders dated September 30, 2014.
The Portfolio Manager
Mauricio Alvarez has been the Portfolio Manager for the Fund since April 2014. Mr. Alvarez has 15 years of investment experience. Since October 2010, Mr. Alvarez has served as the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) of the Advisor, and he has been involved in implementing the strategies and decisions of the Strategic Latin America Fund. From 2009 to 2010, Mr. Alvarez was the Chief Executive Officer and CCO of Mercantil Santa Cruz Agencia de Bolsa, an asset manager and broker dealer subsidiary of Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz S.A., a Bolivian bank. From 2005 to 2009 Mr. Alvarez served as an Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager for Mid America Bank (which was acquired by National City Corporation, which was later acquired by PNC Bank), where he focused on training, business development, customer service and management. From 2002 to 2004, Mr. Alvarez worked for Nacional de Valores, the investment firm of Banco Nacional de Bolivia, where he was in charge of the strategies, decisions and trades for its investment advisor and broker dealer. Mr. Alvarez began his career in 1999 as an investment officer and working for the broker dealer for Credibolsa Investments, a subsidiary in Bolivia of Credicorp Group of Peru.
Mr. Alvarez has a degree in economics from the Bolivian Catholic University and a Specialization in market analysis and portfolio management from the Instituto de Estudios Bursatiles in Madrid, Spain.
The Funds SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers compensation, other assets managed by the Portfolio Manager, and the Portfolio Managers ownership of securities in the Fund.
The Trust
The Fund is a series of the Trust, an open-end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust on April 9, 2007. The
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Trustees supervise the operations of the Fund according to applicable state and federal law, and the Trustees are responsible for the overall management of the Funds business affairs.
Rule 12b-1 Fees
The Board has adopted a Distribution Plan for the Funds Shares (the 12b-1 Plan) in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Pursuant to the 12b-1 Plan, the Fund may finance from the assets of a particular class certain activities or expenses that are intended primarily to result in the sale of shares of such class. The Fund finances these distribution and service activities through payments made to the Distributor. The fee paid to the Distributor by the Fund is computed on an annualized basis reflecting the average daily net assets of the Fund, up to a maximum of 0.25%. Because these fees are paid out of the Funds assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost more than paying other types of sales charges.
Other Expenses
In addition to the 12b-1 fees and the investment advisory fees, the Fund pays all expenses not assumed by the Adviser, including, without limitation, the following: the fees and expenses of its independent accountants and legal counsel; the costs of printing and mailing to shareholders annual and semi-annual reports, proxy statements, prospectuses, statements of additional information, and supplements thereto; the costs of printing registration statements; bank transaction charges and custodians fees; any proxy solicitors fees and expenses; filing fees; any federal, state, or local income or other taxes; any interest; any membership fees of the Investment Company Institute and similar organizations; fidelity bond and Trustees liability insurance premiums; and any extraordinary expenses, such as indemnification payments or damages awarded in litigation or settlements made.
Portfolio Holdings
A description of the Funds policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Funds portfolio securities is available in the Funds Statement of Additional Information. Complete holdings (as of the dates
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of such reports) are available in reports on Form N-Q and Form N-CSR filed with the SEC.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
You may purchase shares of the Fund through financial intermediaries, such as fund supermarkets or through brokers or dealers who are authorized by the Distributor to sell shares of the Fund (collectively, Financial Intermediaries). You may also purchase shares directly from the Distributor. You may request a copy of this prospectus by calling (800) 673-0550. Financial Intermediaries who offer Class A Shares may require the payment of fees from their individual clients, which may be different from those described in this prospectus. For example, Financial Intermediaries may charge transaction fees or set different minimum investment amounts. Financial Intermediaries may also have policies and procedures that are different from those contained in this prospectus. Investors should consult their Financial Intermediary regarding its procedures for purchasing and selling shares of the Fund as the policies and procedures may be different. The price you pay for a share of the Fund is the net asset value next determined upon receipt by the Transfer Agent or financial intermediary.
Minimum Investments . The minimum initial investment and subsequent investments are as follows:
Minimum Investments | To Open Your Account | To Add to Your Account |
Direct Regular Accounts | $1,000 | $100 |
Traditional and Roth IRA Accounts | $1,000 | $100 |
Automatic Investment Plan | $1,000 | $50 |
Gift Account for Minors | $1,000 | $100 |
The Trust may waive the minimum initial investment requirement for purchases made by directors, officers and employees of the Trust. The Trust may also waive the minimum investment requirement for purchases by its affiliated entities and certain related advisory accounts and retirement accounts (such as IRAs). The Trust may also change or waive policies concerning minimum investment amounts at any time. The Trust retains the right to refuse to accept an order.
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Small Accounts . Due to the relatively higher cost of maintaining small accounts, the Trust may deduct a fee of $50 per year (billed quarterly) from your account or may redeem the shares in your account, if the value of your account falls below $1,000. If you bring your account balance up to the required minimum within 30 days of being informed by the Transfer Agent that your account has become subject to the small account fee, no account fee or involuntary redemption will occur. The Trust will not close your account if it falls below the required minimum solely because of a market decline. The Trust reserves the right to waive this fee.
Customer Identification Program . Federal regulations require that the Trust obtain certain personal information about you when opening a new account. As a result, the Trust must obtain the following information for each person that opens a new account:
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Name; | |
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Date of birth (for individuals); | |
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Residential or business street address (although post office boxes are still permitted for mailing); and | |
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Social security number, taxpayer identification number, or other identifying number. |
You may also be asked for a copy of your drivers license, passport, or other identifying document in order to verify your identity. In addition, it may be necessary to verify your identity by cross referencing your identification information with a consumer report or other electronic database. Additional information may be required to open accounts for corporations and other entities.
After an account is opened, the Trust may restrict your ability to purchase additional shares until your identity is verified. The Trust also may close your account or take other appropriate action if it is unable to verify your identity within a reasonable time.
If your account is closed for this reason, your shares will be redeemed at the NAV next calculated after the account is closed.
Purchases by Mail . For initial purchases, the account application, which accompanies this prospectus, should be completed, signed and mailed to Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. (the Transfer Agent), the
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Funds transfer and dividend disbursing agent, at 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235 together with your check payable to the Fund. When you buy shares, be sure to specify the class of shares in which you choose to invest. For subsequent purchases, include with your check the tear-off stub from a prior purchase confirmation or otherwise identify the name(s) of the registered owner(s) and social security number(s).
Purchases by Wire . You may purchase shares by requesting your bank to transmit by wire directly to the Transfer Agent. To invest by wire, please call the Trust at (800) 673-0550 or the Transfer Agent at (800) 628-4077 to advise the Trust of your investment and to receive further instructions. Your bank may charge you a small fee for this service. Once you have arranged to purchase shares by wire, please complete and mail the account application promptly to the Transfer Agent. This account application is required to complete the Funds records. You will not have access to your shares until the purchase order is completed in good form, which includes the receipt of completed account information by the Transfer Agent. Once your account is opened, you may make additional investments using the wire procedure described above. Be sure to include your name and account number in the wire instructions you provide your bank.
Purchases by Telephone . You may also purchase shares by telephone, by contacting the Fund at (800) 673-0550 or the Transfer Agent at (800) 628-4077.
Other Purchase Information . You may purchase and redeem Fund shares, or exchange shares of the Fund for those of another, by contacting any broker authorized by the Distributor to sell shares of the Fund, by contacting the Fund at (800) 673-0550 or by contacting the Transfer Agent, at 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235 or by telephoning (800) 628-4077. Brokers may charge transaction fees for the purchase or sale of the Funds shares, depending on your arrangement with the broker.
HOW TO SELL SHARES
You may redeem your shares of the Fund at any time and in any amount by contacting your Financial Intermediary or by contacting the Fund by
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mail or telephone. For your protection, the Transfer Agent will not redeem your shares until it has received all information and documents necessary for your request to be considered in proper order. The Transfer Agent will promptly notify you if your redemption request is not in proper order. The Transfer Agent cannot accept redemption requests which specify a particular date for redemption or which specify any special conditions.
The Funds procedure is to redeem shares at the NAV next determined after the Transfer Agent or authorized Financial Intermediary receives the redemption request in proper order. Payment of redemption proceeds will be made promptly, but no later than the seventh day following the receipt of the request in proper order. The Fund may suspend the right to redeem shares for any period during which the NYSE is closed or the SEC determines that there is an emergency. In such circumstances you may withdraw your redemption request or permit your request to be held for processing after the suspension is terminated.
If you sell your Shares through a securities dealer or investment professional, it is such persons responsibility to transmit the order to the Fund in a timely fashion. Any loss to you resulting from failure to do so must be settled between you and such person.
Delivery of the proceeds of a redemption of shares purchased and paid for by check shortly before the receipt of the redemption request may be delayed until the Fund determines that the Transfer Agent has completed collection of the purchase check, which may take up to 15 days. Also, payment of the proceeds of a redemption request for an account for which purchases were made by wire may be delayed until the Fund receives a completed account application for the account to permit the Fund to verify the identity of the person redeeming the shares and to eliminate the need for backup withholding.
Redemption By Mail . To redeem shares by mail, send a written request for redemption, signed by the registered owner(s) exactly as the account is registered, to: Strategic Latin America Fund, Attn: Redemptions, 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, VA 23235. Certain written requests to redeem shares may require signature guarantees. For example, signature guarantees may be required if you sell a large number of shares, if your address of record on the account
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application has been changed within the last 30 days, or if you ask that the proceeds be sent to a different person or address. Signature guarantees are used to help protect you and the Fund. You can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks or securities dealers, but not from a Notary Public. Please call the Transfer Agent at (800) 628-4077 to learn if a signature guarantee is needed or to make sure that it is completed appropriately in order to avoid any processing delays. There is no charge to shareholders for redemptions by mail.
Redemption By Telephone . You may redeem your shares by telephone provided that you requested this service on your initial account application. If you request this service at a later date, you must send a written request along with a signature guarantee to the Transfer Agent. Once your telephone authorization is in effect, you may redeem shares by calling the Transfer Agent at (800) 628-4077. There is no charge for establishing this service, but the Transfer Agent may charge your account a $10 service fee for each telephone redemption. The Transfer Agent may change the charge for this service at any time without prior notice. If it should become difficult to reach the Transfer Agent by telephone during periods when market or economic conditions lead to an unusually large volume of telephone requests, a shareholder may send a redemption request by overnight mail to the Transfer Agent at 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235.
Redemption By Wire . If you request that your redemption proceeds be wired to you, please call your bank for instructions prior to writing or calling the Transfer Agent. Be sure to include your name, Fund name, Fund account number, your account number at your bank and wire information from your bank in your request to redeem by wire.
The Fund will not be responsible for any losses resulting from unauthorized transactions (such as purchases, sales or exchanges) if it follows reasonable security procedures designed to verify the identity of the investor. You should verify the accuracy of your confirmation statements immediately after you receive them.
Redemption in Kind . The Fund intends to make payments for all redemptions in cash. However, if the Fund believes that conditions exist which make cash payments detrimental to the best interests of the Fund, payment for shares redeemed may be made in whole or in part
36
through a distribution of portfolio securities chosen by the Adviser (under the supervision of the Board of Trustees). If payment is made in securities, shareholders may incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash after they have redeemed their shares.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Signature Guarantees . To help protect you and the Fund from fraud, signature guarantees are required for: (1) all redemptions ordered by mail if you require that the check be made payable to another person or that the check be mailed to an address other than the one indicated on the account registration; (2) all requests to transfer the registration of shares to another owner; and (3) all authorizations to establish or change telephone redemption service, other than through your initial account application. Signature guarantees may be required for certain other reasons. For example, a signature guarantee may be required if you sell a large number of shares or if your address of record on the account has been changed within the last thirty (30) days.
In the case of redemption by mail, signature guarantees must appear on either: (1) the written request for redemption; or (2) a separate instrument of assignment (usually referred to as a stock power) specifying the total number of shares being redeemed. The Trust may waive these requirements in certain instances.
An original signature guarantee assures that a signature is genuine so that you are protected from unauthorized account transactions. Notarization is not an acceptable substitute. Acceptable guarantors only include participants in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (STAMP2000). Participants in STAMP2000 may include financial institutions such as banks, savings and loan associations, trust companies, credit unions, broker-dealers and member firms of a national securities exchange.
Automatic Investment Plan . Existing shareholders, who wish to make regular monthly investments in amounts of $50 or more, may do so through the Automatic Investment Plan. Under the Automatic Investment Plan, your designated bank or other financial institution debits a pre-authorized amount from your account on or about the 15th day of each month and applies the amount to the purchase of Fund shares. To use
37
this service, you must authorize the transfer of funds by completing the Automatic Investment Plan section of the account application and sending a blank voided check.
Exchange Privilege . You may exchange all or a portion of your shares in the Fund for shares of the same class of certain other funds of the Trust having different investment objectives, provided that the shares of the fund you are exchanging into are registered for sale in your state of residence. Your account may be charged $10 for a telephone exchange. An exchange is treated as a redemption and purchase and may result in realization of a taxable gain or loss on the transaction. You wont pay a deferred sales charge on an exchange; however, when you sell the shares you acquire in an exchange, you will pay a deferred sales charge based on the date you bought the original shares you exchanged.
Excessive trading can adversely impact Fund performance and shareholders. Therefore, the Trust reserves the right to temporarily or permanently modify or terminate the Exchange Privilege. The Trust also reserves the right to refuse exchange requests by any person or group if, in the Trusts judgment, the Fund would be unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected. The Trust further reserves the right to restrict or refuse an exchange request if the Trust has received or anticipates simultaneous orders affecting significant portions of the Funds assets or detects a pattern of exchange requests that coincides with a market timing strategy. Although the Trust will attempt to give you prior notice when reasonable to do so, the Trust may modify or terminate the Exchange Privilege at any time.
How to Transfer Shares . If you wish to transfer shares to another owner, send a written request to the Transfer Agent at 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, VA 23235. Your request should include: (i) the name of the Fund and existing account registration; (ii) signature(s) of the registered owner(s); (iii) the new account registration, address, taxpayer identification number and how dividends and capital gains are to be distributed; (iv) any stock certificates which have been issued for the shares being transferred; (v) signature guarantees (See Signature Guarantees); and (vi) any additional documents which are required for transfer by corporations, administrators, executors, trustees, guardians, etc. If you have any questions about transferring shares, call the Transfer Agent at (800) 628-4077.
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Account Statements and Shareholder Reports . Each time you purchase, redeem or transfer shares of the Fund, you will receive a written confirmation. You will also receive a year-end statement of your account if any dividends or capital gains have been distributed, and an annual and a semi-annual report.
Shareholder Communications . The Fund may eliminate duplicate mailings of portfolio materials to shareholders who reside at the same address, unless instructed to the contrary. Investors may request that the Fund send these documents to each shareholder individually by calling the Fund at (800) 527-9525.
General . The Fund will not be responsible for any losses from unauthorized transactions (such as purchases, sales or exchanges) if it follows reasonable security procedures designed to verify the identity of the investor. You should verify the accuracy of your confirmation statements immediately after you receive them.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions . Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid quarterly for the Fund. The Fund intends to distribute annually any net capital gains. The Fund may make an additional payment of dividends or distributions if it deems it desirable at any other time during the year.
Dividends and distributions will automatically be reinvested in additional shares of the Fund, unless you elect to have the distributions paid to you in cash. There are no sales charges or transaction fees for reinvested dividends and all shares will be purchased at NAV. Shareholders will be subject to tax on all dividends and distributions whether paid to them in cash or reinvested in shares. If the investment in shares is made within an IRA, all dividends and capital gain distributions must be reinvested.
Unless you are investing through a tax deferred retirement account, such as an IRA, it is not to your advantage to buy shares of the Fund shortly before the next distribution, because doing so can cost you money in taxes. This is known as buying a dividend. To avoid buying a dividend, check the Funds distribution schedule before you invest.
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Taxes . In general, Fund distributions are taxable to you as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains. This is true whether you reinvest your distributions in additional shares of the Fund or receive them in cash. Any long-term capital gains the Fund distributes are taxable to you as long-term capital gains no matter how long you have owned your shares. Other Fund distributions (including distributions attributable to short-term capital gains of the Fund) will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income, except that distributions that are designated as qualified dividend income will be taxable at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains. Every January, you will receive a Form 1099 that shows the tax status of distributions you received for the previous year. Distributions declared in December but paid in January are taxable as if they were paid in December. The one major exception to these tax principles is that distributions on, and sales, exchanges and redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-deferred retirement account) will not be currently taxable.
When you sell shares of the Fund, you may have a capital gain or loss. For tax purposes, an exchange of your shares of the Fund for shares of a different fund of the Trust is the same as a sale. The individual tax rate on any gain from the sale or exchange of your shares depends on how long you have held your shares.
Fund distributions and gains from the sale or exchange of your shares will generally be subject to state and local income tax. Non-U.S. investors may be subject to U.S. withholding and estate tax. You should consult with your tax adviser about the federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences of your investment in the Fund.
By law, the Fund must withhold 28% of your taxable distributions and proceeds if you do not provide your correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) or fail to certify that your TIN is correct and that you are a U.S. person, or if the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) has notified you that you are subject to backup withholding and instructs the Fund to do so.
Cost Basis Reporting . Federal law requires that mutual fund companies report their shareholders cost basis, gain/loss, and holding period to the
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Internal Revenue Service on the Funds shareholders Consolidated Form 1099s when covered securities are sold. Covered securities are any regulated investment company and/or dividend reinvestment plan shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012.
The Fund has chosen average cost as the standing (default) tax lot identification method for all shareholders. A tax lot identification method is the way the Fund will determine which specific shares are deemed to be sold when there are multiple purchases on different dates at differing net asset values, and the entire position is not sold at one time. The Fund has chosen average cost as its standing (default) tax lot identification method for all shareholders. 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 Internal Revenue Service regulations or consult your tax advisor with regard to your personal circumstances.
For those securities defined as covered under current Internal Revenue Service cost basis tax reporting regulations, the Fund is responsible for maintaining accurate cost basis and tax lot information for tax reporting purposes. The Fund is not responsible for the reliability or accuracy of the information for those securities that are not covered. The Fund and its service providers do not provide tax advice. You should consult independent sources, which may include a tax professional, with respect to any decisions you may make with respect to choosing a tax lot identification method.
NET ASSET VALUE
The Funds share price, called the NAV per share, is determined as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) (generally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each business day that the NYSE is open (the Valuation Time). As of the date of this prospectus, the Fund has been informed that the NYSE observes the following holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. NAV per share is computed by adding the total value of the Funds
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investments and other assets, subtracting any liabilities and then dividing by the total number of the shares outstanding.
Shares of the Fund are bought or exchanged at the public offering price per share next determined after a request has been received in Proper Form (as defined below). The public offering price of the Funds Shares is equal to the NAV plus the applicable front-end sales charge, if any. Shares of the Fund held by you are sold or exchanged at the NAV per share next determined after a request has been received in Proper Form, less any applicable deferred sales charge. Any request received in Proper Form before the Valuation Time, will be processed the same business day. Any request received in Proper Form after the Valuation Time, will be processed the next business day.
Proper Form . Your order to buy shares is in Proper Form when your completed and signed account application and check or wire payment is received. Your written request to sell or exchange shares is in proper form when written instructions signed by all registered owners, with a signature guarantee if necessary, is received by the Fund.
The Funds securities are valued at current market prices. Investments in securities traded on the national securities exchanges or included in the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last reported sale price. Other securities traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sales are reported on a given date are valued at the last reported bid price. Debt securities are valued by appraising them at prices supplied by a pricing agent approved by the Trust, which prices may reflect broker-dealer supplied valuations and electronic data processing techniques. Short-term debt securities (less than 60 days to maturity) are valued at their fair market value using amortized cost. Depositary Receipts will be valued at the closing price of the instrument last determined prior to the Valuation Time unless the Fund is aware of a material change in value. Securities for which such a value cannot be readily determined on any day will be valued at the closing price of the underlying security adjusted for the exchange rate. The value of a foreign security is determined as of the close of trading on the foreign exchange on which it is traded or as of the scheduled close of trading on the NYSE, whichever is earlier. Portfolio securities that are listed on foreign exchanges may experience a change in value on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem shares of the Fund. Other assets
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for which market prices are not readily available are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures set by the Board. Generally, trading in corporate bonds, U.S. government securities and money market instruments is substantially completed each day at various times before the scheduled close of the NYSE. The value of these securities used in computing the NAV is determined as of such times.
The Trust has a policy that contemplates the use of fair value pricing to determine the NAV per share of the Fund when market prices are unavailable as well as under special circumstances, such as: (i) if the primary market for a portfolio security suspends or limits trading or price movements of the security; and (ii) when an event occurs after the close of the exchange on which a portfolio security is principally traded that is likely to have changed the value of the security.
When the Trust uses fair value pricing to determine the NAV per share of the Fund, securities will not be priced on the basis of quotations from the primary market in which they are traded, but rather may be priced by another method that the Board believes accurately reflects fair value. Any method used will be approved by the Board and results will be monitored to evaluate accuracy. The Trusts policy is intended to result in a calculation of the Funds NAV that fairly reflects security values as of the time of pricing. However, fair values determined pursuant to the Trusts procedures may not accurately reflect the price that the Fund could obtain for a security if it were to dispose of that security as of the time of pricing.
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
Frequent purchases and redemptions (Frequent Trading) of shares of the Fund may present a number of risks to other shareholders of the Fund. These risks may include, among other things, dilution in the value of shares of the Fund held by long-term shareholders, interference with the efficient management by the Adviser of the Funds portfolio holdings, and increased brokerage and administration costs. Due to the potential of an overall adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions affecting the sale price of portfolio securities, the Fund could face untimely losses as a result of having to sell portfolio securities prematurely to meet redemptions. Current shareholders of the Fund may face unfavorable impacts as portfolio securities concentrated in certain
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sectors may be more volatile than investments across broader ranges of industries as sector-specific market or economic developments may make it more difficult to sell a significant amount of shares at favorable prices to meet redemptions. Frequent Trading may also increase portfolio turnover, which may result in increased capital gains taxes for shareholders of the Fund. These capital gains could include short-term capital gains taxed at ordinary income tax rates.
The Fund will assess a 2.00% redemption fee of Fund shares redeemed within 60 days of purchase as a percentage of amount redeemed. The redemption fee is deducted from your proceeds and is retained by the Fund for the benefit of long-term shareholders. The first in-first out (FIFO) method issued to determine the holding period; this means that if you purchase shares on different days, the shares you held longest will be redeemed first for purposes of determining whether the redemption fee applies. The fee does not apply to Fund shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and the Automatic Investment Plan or shares redeemed through the Systematic Withdrawal Program. The Fund reserves the right to change the terms and amount of this fee upon at least a 60-day notice to shareholders.
The Trustees have adopted a policy that is intended to identify and discourage Frequent Trading by shareholders of the Fund under which the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer and Transfer Agent will monitor Frequent Trading through the use of various surveillance techniques. Under these policies and procedures, shareholders may not engage in more than four round-trips (a purchase and sale or an exchange in and then out of a Fund) within a rolling twelve month period. Shareholders exceeding four round-trips will be investigated by the Fund and possibly restricted from making additional investments in the Fund. The intent of the policies and procedures is not to inhibit legitimate strategies, such as asset allocation, dollar cost averaging or similar activities that may nonetheless result in Frequent Trading of Fund shares. The Fund reserves the right to reject any exchange or purchase of Fund shares with or without prior notice to the account holder. In cases where surveillance of a particular account establishes what the Fund identifies as market timing, the Fund will seek to block future purchases and exchanges of Fund shares by that account. Where surveillance of a particular account indicates activity that the Fund believes could be either abusive or for legitimate purposes, the Fund may permit the account holder to justify
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the activity. The policies and procedures will be applied uniformly to all shareholders and the Fund will not accommodate market timers.
The policies apply to any account, whether an individual account or accounts with financial intermediaries such as investment advisers, broker dealers or retirement plan administrators, commonly called omnibus accounts, where the intermediary holds Fund shares for a number of its customers in one account. Omnibus account arrangements permit multiple investors to aggregate their respective share ownership positions and purchase, redeem and exchange Fund shares without the identity of the particular shareholder(s) being known to the Fund. Accordingly, the ability of the Fund to monitor and detect Frequent Trading activity through omnibus accounts is very limited and there is no guarantee that the Fund will be able to identify shareholders who may be engaging in Frequent Trading through omnibus accounts or to curtail such trading. However, the Fund will establish information sharing agreements with intermediaries as required by Rule 22c-2 under the 1940 Act, and otherwise use reasonable efforts to work with intermediaries to identify excessive short-term trading in underlying accounts.
If the Fund identifies that excessive short-term trading is taking place in a participant-directed employee benefit plan accounts, the Fund or its Adviser or Transfer Agent will contact the plan administrator, sponsor or trustee to request that action be taken to restrict such activity. However, the ability to do so may be constrained by regulatory restrictions or plan policies. In such circumstances, it is generally not the policy of the Fund to close the account of an entire plan due to the activity of a limited number of participants. However, the Fund will take such actions as deemed appropriate in light of all the facts and circumstances.
The Funds policies provide for ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of current policies and surveillance tools, and the Trustees reserves the right to modify these or adopt additional policies and restrictions in the future. Shareholders should be aware, however, that any surveillance techniques currently employed by the Fund or other techniques that may be adopted in the future, may not be effective, particularly where the trading takes place through certain types of omnibus accounts. As noted above, if the Fund is unable to detect and deter trading abuses, the Funds performance, and its long term shareholders, may be harmed. In addition, shareholders may be harmed by the extra costs and portfolio
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management inefficiencies that result from Frequent Trading, even when the trading is not for abusive purposes.
DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS
The Fund is offered through financial supermarkets, investment advisers and consultants, financial planners, brokers, dealers and other investment professionals, and directly through the Distributor. Investment professionals who offer shares may request fees from their individual clients. If you invest through a third party, the policies and fees may be different than those described in this prospectus. For example, third parties may charge transaction fees or set different minimum investment amounts. If you purchase your shares through a broker-dealer, the broker-dealer firm is entitled to receive a percentage of the sales charge you pay in order to purchase Fund shares.
Class A Shares
Class A Shares are subject to a front-end sales charge and a distribution fee. The following schedule governs the percentage to be received by the selling broker-dealer firm for selling Class A Shares.
Sales charge as a percentage of | ||||||||||
Discount as a | ||||||||||
Amount of purchase at the public | Offering | Net amount | percentage of | |||||||
offering price | Price(1) | invested | offering price | |||||||
Up to $24,999 | 5.00% | 5.26% | 5.00% | |||||||
$25,000 - $49,999 | 4.50% | 4.71% | 4.50% | |||||||
$50,000 - $99,999 | 4.00% | 4.17% | 4.00% | |||||||
$100,000 - $249,999 | 3.00% | 3.09% | 3.00% | |||||||
$250,000 - $499,999 | 2.50% | 2.56% | 2.50% | |||||||
$500,000 - $749,999 | 1.80% | 1.83% | 1.80% | |||||||
$750,000 - $999,999 | 1.20% | 1.21% | 1.20% | |||||||
$1 million or more | 1.00% | 1.01% | 1.00% |
(1) | The term Offering Price includes the front-end sales charge. |
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers
To receive a reduction or waiver of your initial sales charge, you or your financial consultant must notify the Funds transfer agent or your
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financial intermediary at the time of purchase that you qualify for such a reduction or waiver. If you do not let your financial intermediary or the Funds Transfer Agent know that you are eligible for a reduction or waiver, you may not receive the reduction or waiver to which you are otherwise entitled. Certain individuals and employer-sponsored retirement plans may link accounts for the purpose of qualifying for lower initial sales charges. You or your financial consultant must provide other account numbers to be considered for Rights of Accumulation, or mark the Letter of Intent section on the account application, or provide other relevant documentation, so that the Funds Transfer Agent can verify your eligibility for the reduction or waiver. In order to receive a reduction or waiver, you may be required to provide your financial intermediary or the Funds Transfer Agent with evidence of your qualification for the reduction or waiver, such as records regarding Fund shares held in accounts with that financial intermediary and other financial intermediaries. Consult the Funds SAI for additional details.
You can reduce your initial sales charge in the following ways:
Right of Accumulation . After making an initial purchase, you may reduce the sales charge applied to any subsequent purchases. Your Class A Shares purchased will be taken into account on a combined basis at the current NAV per share in order to establish the aggregate investment amount to be used in determining the applicable sales charge. Only previous purchases of Class A Shares that are still held in the Fund and that were sold subject to a sales charge will be included in the calculation. To take advantage of this privilege, you must give notice at the time you place your initial order and subsequent orders that you wish to combine purchases. When you send your payment and request to combine purchases, please specify your account number(s).
Statement of Intention . A reduced sales charge on Class A Shares of the Fund, as set forth above, applies immediately to all purchases where the investor has executed a Statement of Intention calling for the purchase within a 13-month period of an amount qualifying for the reduced sales charge. The investor must actually purchase the amount stated in such statement to avoid later paying the full sales charge on shares that are purchased.
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Combine with family member . You can also count toward the amount of your investment all investments by your spouse and your children under age 21 (family members), including their rights of accumulation and goals under a letter of intent. Certain other groups may also be permitted to combine purchases for purposes of reducing or eliminating sales charges, such as: a retirement plan established exclusively for the benefit of an Individual, specifically including, but not limited to, a Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, Solo 401(k), Keogh plan, or a tax-sheltered 403(b)(7) custodial account; and a qualified tuition plan account, maintained pursuant to Section 529 of the Code, or a Coverdell Education Savings Account, maintained pursuant to Section 530 of the Code (in either case, the account must be established by an Individual or have an Individual named as the beneficiary thereof).
Waiver of Front-End Sales Charges - Class A Shares
No sales charge shall apply to:
(1) | reinvestment of income dividends and capital gain distributions; | |
(2) |
exchanges of the Funds shares for those of another fund of the Trust; |
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(3) |
purchases of Fund shares made by current or former directors, officers or employees, or agents of the Trust, the Adviser, the distributor, and by members of their immediate families and employees (including immediate family members) of a broker-dealer distributing Fund shares; |
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(4) |
purchases of Fund shares by the Funds distributor for their own investment account and for investment purposes only; |
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(5) |
a qualified institutional buyer, as that term is defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, including, but not limited to, insurance companies, investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, business development companies registered under the 1940 Act, and small business investment companies; |
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(6) |
a charitable organization, as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code), as well as other charitable trusts and endowments, investing $50,000 or more; |
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(7) |
a charitable remainder trust, under Section 664 of the Code, or a life income pool, established for the benefit of a charitable organization as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code; |
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(8) |
investment advisers or financial planners who place trades for their own accounts or the accounts of their clients and who charge a management, consulting or other fee for their services; and clients of those investment advisers or financial planners who place trades for their own accounts if the accounts are linked to the master account of the investment adviser or financial planner on the books and records of the broker or agent; |
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(9) |
institutional retirement and deferred compensation plans and trusts used to fund those plans, including, but not limited to, those defined in section 401(a), 403(b) or 457 of the Code and rabbi trusts; and |
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(10) |
the purchase of Fund shares, if available, through certain third-party fund supermarkets. Some fund supermarkets may offer Fund shares without a sales charge or with a reduced sales charge. Other fees may be charged by the service-provider sponsoring the fund supermarket, and transaction charges may apply to purchases and sales made through a broker-dealer. |
Additional information regarding the waiver of sales charges may be obtained by calling the Trust at (800) 673-0550. All account information is subject to acceptance and verification by the Funds Distributor.
Rule 12b-1 Fees . The Board has adopted a Distribution Plan for the Fund (the 12b-1 Plan). Pursuant to the 12b-1 Plan, the Fund may finance from its assets certain activities or expenses that are intended primarily to result in the sale of shares of such class. The Fund finances these distribution and service activities through payments made to the Distributor. The fee paid to the Distributor is computed on an annualized basis reflecting the average daily net assets of the Fund, up to a maximum of 0.25%. Because this fee is paid out of Fund assets on an ongoing basis, over time the fee will increase the cost of your investment and may cost more than paying other types of sales charges.
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Shareholder Servicing . Certain financial intermediaries that maintain street name or omnibus accounts with the Fund provide sub-accounting, recordkeeping and/or administrative services to the Fund and are compensated for such services by the Fund. These service fees may be paid in addition to the fees paid under the 12b-1 Plans. For more information, please refer to the SAI.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the Funds financial performance for the period of the Funds operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in shares of the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).
The Fund is a continuation of the Predecessor Fund and, therefore, the financial information presented below is for the Predecessor Fund. The Predecessor Funds shareholders approved the reorganization into the Fund on October 10, 2014. The reorganization subsequently took place on October 31, 2014. The financial information for the periods shown has been audited by Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Funds financial statements, is included in the Funds annual report, which is available upon request.
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Strategic Latin America Fund |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per share operating performance . |
For a capital share outstanding throughout each period . |
For the Year | For the Year | For the Year | For the Period | |||||||||||||||||
Ended | Ended | Ended | May 3, 2010* | |||||||||||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | March 31, | through | |||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | March 31, 2011 | |||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 9.78 | $ | 10.00 | $ | 10.28 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||||||||
Income from Investment Operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income 1 |
0.15 | 0.22 | 0.22 | 0.17 | ||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments |
(1.30 | ) | 0.18 | (0.08 | ) | 0.64 | 2 | |||||||||||||
Total from investment operations |
(1.15 | ) | 0.40 | 0.14 | 0.81 | |||||||||||||||
Less Distributions: | ||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income |
(0.18 | ) | (0.36 | ) | (0.05 | ) | (0.12 | ) | ||||||||||||
From net realized gain |
(0.22 | ) | (0.26 | ) | (0.37 | ) | (0.41 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total distributions |
(0.40 | ) | (0.62 | ) | (0.42 | ) | (0.53 | ) | ||||||||||||
Redemption fee proceeds | - | 4 | - | 4 | - | 4 | - | |||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 8.23 | $ | 9.78 | $ | 10.00 | $ | 10.28 | ||||||||||||
Total return 3 | (11.75 | )% | 4.08 | % | 2.13 | % | 8.11 | % | 5 | |||||||||||
Ratios and Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) |
$ | 28,761 | $ | 38,155 | $ | 27,787 | $ | 27,015 | ||||||||||||
Ratio of expenses before fees waived including interest expense and dividends on securities sold short to average net assets |
2.32 | % | 2.35 | % | 2.35 | % | 2.45 | % | 6 | |||||||||||
Ratio of expenses after fees waived including interest expense and dividends on securities sold short to average net assets |
1.83 | % | 1.87 | % | 1.80 | % | 1.80 | % | 6 | |||||||||||
Ratio of expenses after fees waived excluding interest expense and dividends on securities sold short to average net assets |
1.80 | % | 1.80 | % | 1.80 | % | 1.80 | % | 6 | |||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income after fees waived including interest expense and dividends on securities sold short to average net assets |
1.79 | % | 2.24 | % | 2.29 | % | 1.81 | % | 6 | |||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
176 | % | 142 | % | 317 | % | 273 | % | 5 |
* | Commencement of Operations | |
1 | Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period. | |
2 |
The Advisor reimbursed the Fund $4,504 for losses due to trading error. As of March 31, 2011, the reimbursement amount was less than $0.01 per share. This reimbursement had no impact to the Funds total return. |
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3 |
Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived and/or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund Shares. Returns shown do not include payment of sales load of 5.00% of offering price which is reduced on sales of $25,000 or more. If the sales charge was included total returns would be lower. |
|
4 | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. | |
5 | Not annualized. | |
6 | Annualized. |
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You will find more information about the Fund in the following documents:
The Funds annual and semi-annual reports will contain more information about the Fund. The Funds annual report will contain a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that had a significant effect on the Funds performance during the last fiscal year.
For more information about the Fund, you may wish to refer to the Funds Statement of Additional Information (the SAI) dated October 31, 2014, which is on file with the SEC and incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You can obtain a free copy of the annual and semi-annual reports, and SAI by writing to World Funds Trust, 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235, by calling toll free (800) 673-0550, by e-mail at: mail@ccofva.com or on the World Funds Trust website at www.theworldfundstrust.com. General inquiries regarding the Fund may also be directed to the above address or telephone number.
Information about the Trust, including the SAI, can be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. Information about the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. Reports and other information regarding the Fund are available 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 Commissions Public Reference Section, Washington D.C. 20549-0102.
(Investment Company Act File No. 811-22172)
52
STRATEGIC LATIN AMERICA
FUND
8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205
Richmond, Virginia 23235
(800)
673-0550
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Class A (Ticker Symbol: SLATX)
Strategic
Asset Management, Ltd.
October 31, 2014
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the current prospectus dated October 31, 2014of the Strategic Latin America Fund (the Fund), as itmay be supplemented or revised from time to time. Pursuant to a reorganization that took place on October 31, 2014, the Fund is a successor by merger to a series of the Investment Managers Series Trust (the Predecessor Fund). This SAI incorporates by reference the Predecessor Funds Annual Report (the Annual Report) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014.
This SAI is incorporated by reference into the Funds prospectus. You may obtain the prospectus of the Fund, the SAI and the Annual Report, free of charge, by writing to World Funds Trust (the Trust), 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235 or by calling (800) 673-0550.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
THE TRUST | 1 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES | 1 |
DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS | 2 |
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS | 27 |
INVESTMENT ADVISER | 29 |
PORTFOLIO MANAGER | 31 |
SERVICE PROVIDERS | 32 |
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST | 34 |
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SECURITIES HOLDERS | 40 |
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE | 40 |
DISTRIBUTION | 41 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PURCHASES AND SALES | 44 |
ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES | 46 |
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES | 46 |
TAXES | 47 |
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES | 62 |
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES HOLDINGS | 65 |
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES | 68 |
PROXY VOTING | 69 |
CODE OF ETHICS | 69 |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 70 |
EXHIBIT A (PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF ADVISER) | 71 |
EXHIBIT B (PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF TRUST) | 77 |
EXHIBIT C (NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHARTER) | 79 |
EXHIBIT D (DESCRIPTION OF SHORT-TERM RATINGS) | 82 |
THE TRUST
General . World Funds Trust (the Trust) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on April 9, 2007. The Trust is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) and commonly known as a mutual fund. The Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer separate series (funds) of shares of beneficial interest (shares). The Trust reserves the right to create and issue shares of additional funds. Each fund is a separate mutual fund, and each share of eachfund represents an equal proportionate interest in that fund. All consideration received by the Trust for shares of any fund and all assets of such fund belong solely to that fund and would be subject to liabilities related thereto. Each fund of the Trust pays its (i) operating expenses, including fees of its service providers, expenses of preparing prospectuses, proxy solicitation material and reports to shareholders, costs of custodial services and registering its shares under federal and state securities laws, pricing, insurance expenses, brokeragecosts, interest charges, taxes and organization expenses; and (ii) pro rata share of the funds other expenses, including audit and legal expenses. Expenses attributable to a specific fund shall be payable solely out of the assets of that fund. Expenses not attributable to a specific fund are allocated across all of the funds on the basis of relative net assets. The other funds of the Trust are described in one or more separate Statements of Additional Information.
The Fund . This SAI relates to the prospectus for the Fund, and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus. This SAI is incorporated by reference into the Funds prospectus. No investment in shares should be made without reading the prospectus. The Fund is a separate investment portfolio or series of the Trust.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The Funds investment objective and principal investment strategies are described in the prospectus. The Fund is a diversified series as that term is defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). The following information supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the prospectus. For a description of certain permitted investments discussed below, see Description of Permitted Investments in this SAI.
Portfolio Turnover . Average annual portfolio turnover rate is the ratio of the lesser of sales or purchases to the monthly average value of the portfolio securities owned during the year, excluding from both the numerator and the denominator all securities with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less. A higher portfolio turnover rate involves greater transaction expenses to the Fund and may result in the realization of net capital gains, which would be taxable to shareholders when distributed. The Funds Adviser makes purchases and sales for the Funds portfolio whenever necessary, in the Advisers opinion, to meet the Funds objective. During the Funds most recent fiscal period, the Funds portfolio turnover rate was 176% of the average value of its portfolio.
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The Predecessor Funds portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013 and March 2014 were 142% and 176%, respectively. The Advisor believes there was a moderate increase on the portfolio turnover due to investment opportunities and shifting asset allocations between equity and fixed income securities.
DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS
The following discussion of investment techniques and instruments supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the investment information in the Funds prospectus. In seeking to meet its investment objective, the Fund may invest in any type of security whose characteristics are consistent with its investment programs described below.
Market Conditions
The equity and debt capital markets in the United States and internationally have experienced unprecedented volatility. These conditions have caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities and other instruments. It is impossible to predict whether these conditions will continue, improve or worsen. Because this situation is widespread, it may be unusually difficult to identify both risks and opportunities using past models of the interplay of market forces, or to predict the duration of these events.
Common Stock
Common stock represents an equity (ownership) interest in a company, and usually possesses voting rights and earns dividends. Dividends on common stock are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of the issuer. Common stock generally represents the riskiest investment in a company. In addition, common stock generally has the greatest appreciation and depreciation potential because increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a companys stock price.
The fundamental risk of investing in common stock is that the value of the stock might decrease. Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of an individual company or in response to general market and/or economic conditions. While common stocks have historically provided greater long-term returns than preferred stocks, fixed-income and money market investments, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility than the returns from those other investments.
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock is a class of stock having a preference over common stock as to the payment of dividends and the recovery of investment in the event a company is liquidated, although preferred stock is usually subordinate to the debt securities of the issuer. Preferred stock typically does not possess voting rights and its market value may change based on changes in interest rates. If interest rates rise, the fixed dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive,
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causing the price of preferred stocks to decline. Preferred stock may have mandatory sinking fund provisions, as well as call/redemption provisions prior to maturity, a negative feature when interest rates decline. In addition, a fund may receive stocks or warrants as result of an exchange or tender of fixed income securities.
The Funds investment in preferred stocks is subject to the credit risk related to the financial condition of the issuers of those securities. Credit ratings attempt to evaluate the safety of principal and dividend or interest payments and do not evaluate the risks of fluctuations in market value.
Small- and Mid-Cap Stocks
The Fund may invest in stock of companies with market capitalizations that are small compared to other publicly traded companies. Investments in larger companies present certain advantages in that such companies generally have greater financial resources, more extensive research and development, manufacturing, marketing and service capabilities, and more stability and greater depth of management and personnel. Investments in smaller, less seasoned companies may present greater opportunities for growth but also may involve greater risks than customarily are associated with more established companies. The securities of smaller companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than larger, more established companies. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent upon a limited management group, their securities may be traded in the over-the-counter market or on a regional exchange, or may otherwise have limited liquidity. As a result of owning large positions in this type of security, the Fund is subject to the additional risk of possibly having to sell portfolio securities at disadvantageous times and prices if redemptions require the Fund to liquidate its securities positions. In addition, it may be prudent for the Fund, as its asset size grows, to limit the number of relatively small positions it holds in securities having limited liquidity in order to minimize its exposure to such risks, to minimize transaction costs, and to maximize the benefits of research. As a consequence, as the Funds asset size increases, the Fund may reduce its exposure to illiquid small capitalization securities, which could adversely affect performance.
The Fund may also invest in stocks of companies with medium market capitalizations (i.e., mid-cap companies). Such investments share some of the risk characteristics of investments in stocks of companies with small market capitalizations described above, although mid cap companies tend to have longer operating histories, broader product lines and greater financial resources and their stocks tend to be more liquid and less volatile than those of smaller capitalization issuers.
Convertible Securities
A convertible security is a preferred stock, warrant or other security that may be converted or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other security of the same or a different issuer or into cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula.
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A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive the dividend or interest until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities generally have characteristics similar to both fixed income and equity securities. Although to a lesser extent than with fixed income securities generally, the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stocks and, therefore, also will react to variations in the general market for equity securities. A significant feature of convertible securities is that as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis, and so they may not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend to rise as a reflection of the value of the underlying common stock. While no securities investments are without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in common stock of the same issuer.
Foreign Investments
Investments in the securities of foreign issuers and other non-U.S. investments may involve risks in addition to those normally associated with investments in the securities of U.S. issuers or other U.S. investments. All foreign investments are subject to risks of foreign political and economic instability, adverse movements in foreign exchange rates, and the imposition or tightening of exchange controls and limitations on the repatriation of foreign capital. Other risks stem from potential changes in governmental attitude or policy toward private investment, which in turn raises the risk of nationalization, increased taxation or confiscation of foreign investors assets.
The financial problems in global economies over the past several years, including the European sovereign debt crisis, may continue to cause high volatility in global financial markets. In addition, global economies are increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact a different country or region. The severity or duration of these conditions may also be affected if one or more countries leave the Euro currency or by other policy changes made by governments or quasi-governmental organizations.
Additional non-U.S. taxes and expenses may also adversely affect the Funds performance, including foreign withholding taxes on foreign securities dividends. Brokerage commissions and other transaction costs on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than in the United States. Foreign companies may be subject to different accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards. To the extent foreign securities held by the Fund are not registered with the SEC or with any other U.S. regulator, the issuers thereof will not be subject to the reporting requirements of the SEC or any other U.S. regulator. Accordingly, less information may be available about foreign companies and other investments than is generally available on issuers of comparable securities and other investments in the United States. Foreign securities
4
and other investments may also trade less frequently and with lower volume and may exhibit greater price volatility than U.S. securities and other investments.
Changes in foreign exchange rates will affect the value in U.S. Dollars of all foreign currency-denominated securities and other investments held by the Fund. Exchange rates are influenced generally by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign currency markets and by numerous other political and economic events occurring outside the United States, many of which may be difficult, if not impossible, to predict.
Income from foreign securities and other investments will be received and realized in foreign currencies, and the Fund is required to compute and distribute income in U.S. Dollars. Accordingly, a decline in the value of a particular foreign currency against the U.S. Dollar occurring after the Funds income has been earned and computed in U.S. Dollars may require the Fund to liquidate portfolio securities or other investments to acquire sufficient U.S. Dollars to make a distribution. Similarly, if the exchange rate declines between the time the Fund incurs expenses in U.S. Dollars and the time such expenses are paid, the Fund may be required to liquidate additional portfolio securities or other investments to purchase the U.S. Dollars required to meet such expenses.
The Fund may purchase foreign bank obligations. In addition to the risks described above that are generally applicable to foreign investments, the investments that the Fund makes in obligations of foreign banks, branches or subsidiaries may involve further risks, including differences between foreign banks and U.S. banks in applicable accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or other foreign government laws or restrictions applicable to the payment of certificates of deposit or time deposits that may affect adversely the payment of principal and interest on the securities and other investments held by the Fund.
Investments in Latin America .
As an emerging market, Latin America has historically suffered from social, political, and economic instability. For investors, this has meant additional risk caused by periods of regional conflict, political corruption, totalitarianism, protectionist measures, nationalization, hyperinflation, debt crises, sudden and large currency devaluation, and intervention by the military in civilian and economic spheres. However, in some Latin American countries, a move to sustainable democracy and a more mature and accountable political environment is under way. In those countries, domestic economies have been deregulated, privatization of state-owned companies is almost completed and foreign trade restrictions have been relaxed. Nonetheless, to the extent that events such as those listed above continue in the future, they could reverse favorable trends toward market and economic reform, privatization, and removal of trade barriers, and result in significant disruption in securities markets in the region. In addition, recent favorable economic performance in much of the region has led to a concern regarding government overspending in certain Latin American countries. Investors in these countries continue to face a number of potential risks. Certain Latin American countries depend heavily on exports to the United States. Accordingly, these countries may be sensitive to fluctuations in U.S.
5
demand, exchange rates with the U.S. Dollar, and changes in U.S. market conditions. The economic growth of most Latin American countries is highly dependent on commodity exports. In addition, prolonged economic difficulties may have negative effects on the transition to a more stable democracy in some Latin American countries.
A number of Latin American countries are among the largest debtors of developing countries and have a long history of foreign debt and default. The majority of the Latin American regions economies have become highly dependent upon foreign credit and loans from external sources to fuel their state-sponsored economic plans. Historically, government profligacy and ill-conceived plans for modernization have exhausted these resources with little benefit accruing to the economy. Most countries have been forced to restructure their loans or risk default on their debt obligations. In addition, interest on the debt is subject to market conditions and may reach levels that would impair economic activity and create a difficult and costly environment for borrowers. Accordingly, these governments may be forced to reschedule or freeze their debt repayment, which could negatively affect local markets. Because of their dependence on foreign credit and loans, a number of Latin American economies face significant economic difficulties and some economies fell into recession as the recent global economic crisis tightened international credit supplies. While the region has recently shown signs of economic improvement, recovery from past economic downturns in Latin America has historically been slow, and any such recovery, if sustained, may be gradual.
Emerging Markets .
There are special risks involved in investing in emerging market countries. Many investments in emerging markets can be considered speculative, and their prices can be more volatile than in the developed nations of the world. This difference reflects the greater uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies. The financial markets of emerging markets countries are generally less well capitalized and thus securities of issuers based in such countries may be less liquid. Some companies in emerging markets are heavily dependent on international trade, and some are especially vulnerable to recessions in other countries. Most emerging market countries are the main suppliers of agricultural, energy, base and precious metals to the world, but there are some emerging market economies that are not rich in natural resources and are adversely affected by an increase in world commodity prices. Some countries may still have developing economic or legal systems. The currencies of certain emerging market countries, and therefore the value of securities denominated in such currencies, may be more volatile than currencies of developed countries.
In certain emerging market countries, severe and persistent levels of inflation, including, in some cases, hyperinflation, has, in turn, led to high interest rates, extreme measures by governments to keep inflation in check, and a generally debilitating effect on economic growth. Although inflation in many countries has lessened, there is no guarantee it will remain at lower levels. The political history of certain of these countries has also been characterized by political uncertainty, intervention by the military in civilian and economic spheres, and political corruption. Such developments, if they were to reoccur, could reverse favorable trends toward market and economic reform, privatization, and removal of trade barriers, and result in
6
significant disruption in securities markets. A number of these countries are highly dependent on foreign loans for their operation. There have been moratoria on, and reschedulings of, repayment with respect to many countries debts. Such events can restrict the flexibility of these debtor nations in the international markets and result in the imposition of onerous conditions on their economies.
Under foreign tax laws, taxes may be withheld at the source in certain foreign countries and there is a possibility of expropriation or potentially confiscatory levels of taxation, political, social, or imposition of other costs and administrative fees on investment and monetary instability or diplomatic developments that could adversely affect investments in, the liquidity of, and the ability to enforce contractual obligations with respect to, securities of issuers located in those countries. Amounts realized on foreign securities in which the Fund may invest may be subject to foreign withholding or other taxes that could reduce the return on these securities. Applicable tax treaties between the United States and foreign countries, however, may reduce or eliminate the amount of foreign taxes to which the Fund would otherwise be subject.
Foreign Currency Transactions.
The Fund may conduct foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot, i.e., cash basis at the prevailing rate in the foreign exchange market or by entering into a forward foreign currency contract. A forward foreign currency contract (forward contract) involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific amount of a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days (usually less than one year) from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts are considered to be derivatives. The Fund enters into forward contracts in order to lock in the exchange rate between the currency it will deliver and the currency it will receive for the duration of the contract. In addition, the Fund may enter into forward contracts to hedge against risks arising from securities the Fund owns or anticipates purchasing or the U.S. Dollar value of interest and dividends paid on those securities. The Fund will not have more than 10% of its total assets committed to forward contracts, or maintain a net exposure to forward contracts that would obligate the Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of the Funds investment securities or other assets denominated in that currency.
If the Fund delivers the foreign currency at or before the settlement of a forward contract, it may be required to obtain the currency by selling some of the Funds assets that are denominated in that specific currency. The Fund may close out a forward contract obligating it to purchase a foreign currency by selling an offsetting contract, in which case it will realize a gain or a loss.
Foreign currency transactions involve certain costs and risks. The Fund incurs foreign exchange expenses in converting assets from one currency to another. Forward contracts involve a risk of loss if the Adviser is inaccurate in predicting currency movements. The projection of short-term currency market movements is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain. The precise matching of forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved is generally not possible. Accordingly, it may be
7
necessary for the Fund to purchase additional foreign currency if the market value of the security is less than the amount of the foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver under the forward contract and the decision is made to sell the security and deliver the foreign currency. The use of forward contracts as a hedging technique does not eliminate the fluctuation in the prices of the underlying securities the Fund owns or intends to acquire, but it fixes a rate of exchange in advance. Although forward contracts can reduce the risk of loss if the values of the hedged currencies decline, these instruments also limit the potential gain that might result from an increase in the value of the hedged currencies.
There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies, and there is no regulatory requirement that quotations available through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation information available is generally representative of very large transactions in the interbank market. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global around-the-clock market. Since foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market involve substantially larger amounts than those that may be involved in the use of foreign currency options, the Fund may be disadvantaged by having to deal in an odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots. The Fund may take positions in options on foreign currencies in order to hedge against the risk of foreign exchange fluctuation on foreign securities the Fund holds in its portfolio or which it intends to purchase.
Depository Receipts.
American Depository Receipts (ADRs) are negotiable receipts issued by a United States bank or trust company that evidence ownership of securities in a foreign company which have been deposited with such bank or trust companys office or agent in a foreign country. Investing in ADRs presents risks that may not be equal to the risk inherent in holding the equivalent shares of the same companies that are traded in the local markets even though the Fund will purchase, sell and be paid dividends on ADRs in U.S. Dollars. These risks include fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which are affected by international balances of payments and other economic and financial conditions; government intervention; speculation; and other factors. With respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, political and social upheaval, imposition of other costs and administrative fees on investments and economic instability. The Fund may be required to pay foreign withholding or other taxes on certain ADRs that it owns, but investors may or may not be able to deduct their pro rata share of such taxes in computing their taxable income, or take such shares as a credit against their U.S. federal income tax. See Federal Income Tax Matters. ADRs may be sponsored by foreign issuers or may be unsponsored. Unsponsored ADRs are organized independently and without the cooperation of the foreign issuer of the underlying securities. While readily exchangeable with stock in local markets, unsponsored ADRs may be less liquid than sponsored ADRs. Additionally, there generally is less publicly available information with respect to unsponsored ADRs.
8
Other Investment Company Securities
The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies (each, an Underlying Fund), including open-end funds, closed-end funds, unit investment trusts (UITs) and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to certain restrictions set forth in this SAI.
Under Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the 1940 Act, the Fund may hold securities of another investment company in amounts which (i) do not exceed 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of such company, (ii) do not exceed 5% of the value of the Funds total assets, and (iii) when added to all other investment company securities held by the Fund, do not exceed 10% of the value of the Funds total assets. The Fund may exceed these limits when permitted by SEC order or other applicable law or regulatory guidance, such as is the case with many ETFs.
Generally, under Section 12(d)(1)(F) and 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act and SEC rules adopted pursuant to the 1940 Act, the Fund may acquire the securities of affiliated and unaffiliated Underlying Funds subject to the following guidelines and restrictions:
9
|
The Fund may
own an unlimited amount of the securities of any registered open-end fund or registered
unit investment trust that is affiliated with the Fund, so long as any such Underlying
Fund has a policy that prohibits it from acquiring any securities of registered
open-end funds or registered unit investment trusts in reliance on certain sections
of the 1940 Act.
|
10
|
The Fund and
its affiliated persons may own up to 3% of the outstanding stock of
any fund, subject to the following restrictions: the Fund and the Underlying Fund,
in the aggregate, may not charge a sales load greater than the limits set forth
in Rule 2830(d)(3) of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
(FINRA) applicable to funds of funds;the Underlying Fund is not obligated
to redeem more than 1% of its total outstanding securities during any period less
than 30 days; and the purchase or acquisition of the Underlying Fund is made pursuant
to an arrangement with the Underlying Fund or its principal underwriter whereby
the Fund is obligated either to (i) seek instructions from its shareholders with
regard to the voting of all proxies with respect to the Underlying Fund and to vote
in accordance with such instructions, or (ii) to vote the shares of the Underlying
Fund held by the Fund in the same proportion as the vote of all other shareholders
of the Underlying Fund.
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Acquired funds typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Fund. The Funds purchase of such investment company securities results in the layering of expenses as Fund shareholders would indirectly bear a proportionate share of the operating expenses of such investment companies, including advisory fees, in addition to paying Fund expenses. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may also be leveraged and will therefore be subject to certain leverage risks. The net asset value and market value of leveraged securities will be more volatile and the yield to shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged securities. Investment companies may have investment policies that differ from those of the Fund.
Under certain circumstances an open-end investment company in which the Fund invests may determine to make payment of a redemption by the Fund wholly or in part by a distribution in kind of securities from its portfolio, instead of in cash. As a result, the Fund may hold such securities until the Adviser determines it is appropriate to dispose of them. Such disposition will impose additional costs on the Fund.
Investment decisions by the investment advisers to the registered investment companies in which the Fund invests are made independently of the Fund. At any particular time, one Underlying Fund may be purchasing shares of an issuer whose shares are being sold by another Underlying Fund. As a result, under these circumstances the Fund indirectly would incur certain transactional costs without accomplishing any investment purpose.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
ETFs are pooled investment vehicles that generally seek to track the performance of specific indices. ETFs may be organized as open-end funds or as unit investment trusts. Their shares are listed on stock exchanges and can be traded throughout the day at market-determined prices.
An ETF generally issues index-based investments in aggregations of 50,000 shares known as Creation Units in exchange for a Portfolio Deposit consisting of (a) a portfolio of securities substantially similar to the component securities (Index Securities) of the applicable
11
index (the Index), (b) a cash payment equal to a pro rata portion of the dividends accrued on the ETFs portfolio securities since the last dividend payment by the ETF, net of expenses and liabilities, and (c) a cash payment or credit (Balancing Amount) designed to equalize the net asset value of the Index and the net asset value of a Portfolio Deposit.
Shares of ETFs are not individually redeemable, except upon termination of the ETF. To redeem shares of an ETF, an investor must accumulate enough shares of the ETF to reconstitute a Creation Unit. The liquidity of small holdings of ETF shares, therefore, will depend upon the existence of a secondary market for such shares. Upon redemption of a Creation Unit, the portfolio will receive Index Securities and cash identical to the Portfolio Deposit required of an investor wishing to purchase a Creation Unit that day.
The price of ETF shares is based upon (but not necessarily identical to) the value of the securities held by the ETF. Accordingly, the level of risk involved in the purchase or sale of ETF shares is similar to the risk involved in the purchase or sale of traditional common stock, with the exception that the pricing mechanism for ETF shares is based on a basket of stocks. Disruptions in the markets for the securities underlying ETF shares purchased or sold by the Fund could result in losses on such shares. There is no assurance that the requirements of the national securities exchanges necessary to maintain the listing of shares of any ETF will continue to be met.
Short Sales
The Fund may engage in short sales. A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss will be increased, by the transaction costs incurred by the Fund, including the costs associated with providing collateral to the broker-dealer (usually cash and liquid securities) and the maintenance of collateral with its custodian. The Fund also may be required to pay a premium to borrow a security, which would increase the cost of the security sold short. Although the Funds gain is limited to the price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is theoretically unlimited.
The broker-dealer will retain the net proceeds of the short sale to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements until the short position is closed out.
When the Advisor believes that the price of a particular security held by the Fund may decline, it may make short sales against the box to hedge the unrealized gain on such security. Selling short against the box involves selling a security which the Fund owns for delivery at a specified date in the future. The Fund will incur transaction costs to open, maintain and close short sales against the box.
To the extent the Fund sells securities short (except in the case of short sales against the box), it is required to segregate an amount of cash or liquid securities on its records equal to the
12
market price of the securities sold short. The segregated assets are marked to market daily in an attempt to ensure that the amount deposited in the segregated account is at least equal to the market value of the securities sold short. Segregated securities cannot be sold while the position they are covering is outstanding, unless they are replaced with similar securities. As a result, there is the possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Funds assets could affect its portfolio management.
Derivatives
The Fund may utilize a variety of financial instruments, such as derivatives, options, and forward contracts, both for investment purposes and for hedging purposes. Hedging involves special risks including the possible default by the other party to the transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the Advisers assessment of certain market movements is incorrect, the risk that the use of hedging could result in losses greater than if hedging had not been used. Nonetheless, with respect to certain investment positions, the Fund may not be sufficiently hedged against market fluctuations, in which case an investment position could result in a loss greater than if the Adviser had been sufficiently hedged with respect to such position.
The Adviser will not, in general, attempt to hedge all market or other risks inherent in the Funds positions, and will hedge certain risks, if at all, only partially. Specifically, the Adviser may choose not, or may determine that it is economically unattractive, to hedge certain risks, either in respect of particular positions or in respect of the Funds overall portfolio. Moreover, it should be noted that the Funds portfolio always will be exposed to unidentified systematic risk factors and to certain risks that cannot be completely hedged, such as credit risk (relating both to particular securities and to counterparties). The Funds portfolio composition may result in various directional market risks remaining unhedged, although the Adviser may rely on diversification to control such risks to the extent that the Adviser believes it is desirable to do so.
Recent legislation calls for new regulation of the derivatives markets. The extent and impact of the regulation is not yet fully known and may not be for some time. Any new regulations could adversely affect the value, availability and performance of derivative instruments, may make them more costly, and may limit or restrict their use by the Funds.
Options on Securities and Securities Indices
A call option would entitle the Fund, in return for the premium paid, to purchase specified securities at a specified price during the option period. A put option would entitle the Fund, in return for the premium paid, to sell specified securities during the option period. The Fund may invest in both European-style or American-style options. A European-style option is only exercisable immediately prior to its expiration. American-style options are exercisable at any time prior to the expiration date of the option.
Writing Call Options. The Fund may write covered call options. A call option is covered if the Fund owns the security underlying the call or has an absolute right to acquire the security without additional cash consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required,
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cash or cash equivalents in such amounts as held in a segregated account by the Funds custodian. The writer of a call option receives a premium and gives the purchaser the right to buy the security underlying the option at the exercise price. The writer has the obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver the underlying security against payment of the exercise price during the option period. If the writer of an exchange-traded option wishes to terminate his obligation, he may effect a closing purchase transaction. This is accomplished by buying an option of the same series as the option previously written. A writer may not effect a closing purchase transaction after it has been notified of the exercise of an option.
Effecting a closing transaction in a written call option will permit the Fund to write another call option on the underlying security with either a different exercise price, expiration date or both. Also, effecting a closing transaction will permit the cash or proceeds from the concurrent sale of any securities subject to the option to be used for other investments of the Fund. If the Fund desires to sell a particular security from its portfolio on which it has written a call option, it will effect a closing transaction prior to or concurrent with the sale of the security. The Fund will realize a gain from a closing transaction if the cost of the closing transaction is less than the premium received from writing the option or if the proceeds from the closing transaction are more than the premium paid to purchase the option. The Fund will realize a loss from a closing transaction if the cost of the closing transaction is more than the premium received from writing the option or if the proceeds from the closing transaction are less than the premium paid to purchase the option. However, because increases in the market price of a call option will generally reflect increases in the market price of the underlying security, any loss to the Fund resulting from the repurchase of a call option is likely to be offset in whole or in part by appreciation of the underlying security owned by the Fund.
In addition to covered call options, the Fund may write uncovered (or naked) call options on securities, including ETFs, and indices. The Fund may cover call options on securities indices by owning securities whose price changes, in the opinion of the Adviser, are expected to be similar to those of the underlying index, or by having an absolute and immediate right to acquire such securities without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration held in a segregated account by its custodian) upon conversion or exchange of other securities in its portfolio. The Fund may also cover by segregating with the custodian liquid assets sufficient to purchase the underlying security or equal to the market value of the stock index option, marked to market daily. Where the Fund covers a call option on a securities index through ownership of securities, such securities may not match the composition of the index and, in that event, the Fund will not be fully covered and could be subject to risk of loss in the event of adverse changes in the value of the index. Segregated securities cannot be sold while the option strategy is outstanding, unless they are replaced with other suitable assets. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Funds assets could impede portfolio management or the Funds ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
Writing Covered Index Call Options. The Fund may sell index call options. The Fund may also execute a closing purchase transaction with respect to the option it has sold and then sell another option with either a different exercise price and/or expiration date. The Funds
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objective in entering into such closing transactions is to increase option premium income, to limit losses or to protect anticipated gains in the underlying stocks. The cost of a closing transaction, while reducing the premium income realized from the sale of the option, should be offset, at least in part, by the appreciation in the value of the underlying index, and by the opportunity to realize additional premium income from selling a new option.
When the Fund sells an index call option, it does not deliver the underlying stocks or cash to the broker through whom the transaction is effected. In the case of an exchange-traded option, the Fund establishes an escrow account. The Custodian (or a securities depository acting for the Custodian) acts as the Funds escrow agent. The escrow agent enters into documents known as escrow receipts with respect to the stocks included in the Fund (or escrow receipts with respect to other acceptable securities). The escrow agent releases the stocks from the escrow account when the call option expires or the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction. Until such release, the underlying stocks cannot be sold by the Fund. The Fund may enter into similar collateral arrangements with the counterparty when it sells over-the-counter index call options. When the Fund sells an index call option, it is also required to cover the option pursuant to requirements enunciated by the staff of the SEC. The staff has indicated that a mutual fund may cover an index call option by (1) owning and holding for the term of the option a portfolio of stocks substantially replicating the movement of the index underlying the call option; (2) purchasing an American-style call option on the same index with an exercise price not greater than the exercise price of the written option; or (3) establishing and maintaining for the term of the option a segregated account consisting of cash, U.S. government securities or other high-grade debt securities, equal in value to the aggregate contract price of the call option (the current index value times the specific multiple). The Fund generally covers the index options it has sold by owning and holding stocks substantially replicating the movement of the applicable index. As an alternative method of covering the option, the Fund may purchase an appropriate offsetting option.
The purchaser of an index call option sold by the Fund may exercise the option at a price fixed as of the closing level of the index on exercise date. Unless the Fund has liquid assets sufficient to satisfy the exercise of the index call option, the Fund would be required to liquidate portfolio securities to satisfy the exercise. The market value of such securities may decline between the time the option is exercised and the time the Fund is able to sell the securities. If the Fund fails to anticipate an exercise, it may have to borrow from a bank (in amounts not exceeding 5% of the Funds total assets) pending settlement of the sale of the portfolio securities and thereby incur interest charges. If trading is interrupted on the index, the Fund would not be able to close out its option positions.
Risks of Transactions in Options. There are several risks associated with transactions in options on securities and indices. Options may be more volatile than the underlying securities and, therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation in value than an investment in the underlying securities themselves. There are also significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objective. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular options may be absent for reasons
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which include the following: there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options of underlying securities; unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; the facilities of an exchange or clearing corporation may not be adequate to handle current trading volume at all times; or one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that had been issued by a clearing corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events. The extent to which the Fund may enter into options transactions may be limited by the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), for qualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company.
Over-the-Counter Options. The Fund may engage in transactions involving over-the-counter options as well as exchange-traded options. Certain additional risks are specific to over-the-counter options. The Fund may engage a clearing corporation to exercise exchange-traded options, but if the Fund purchased an over-the-counter option, it must then rely on the dealer from which it purchased the option if the option is exercised. Failure by the dealer to do so would result in the loss of the premium paid by the Fund as well as loss of the expected benefit of the transaction.
Exchange-traded options generally have a continuous liquid market while over-the-counter options may not. Consequently, the Fund may generally be able to realize the value of an over-the-counter option it has purchased only by exercising or reselling the option to the dealer who issued it. Similarly, when the Fund writes an over-the-counter option, the Fund may generally be able to close out the option prior to its expiration only by entering into a closing purchase transaction with the dealer to whom the Fund originally wrote the option. While the Fund will seek to enter into over-the-counter options only with dealers who will agree to and are expected to be capable of entering into closing transactions with the Fund, there can be no assurance that the Fund will at any time be able to liquidate an over-the-counter option at a favorable price at any time prior to expiration. Unless the Fund, as a covered over-the-counter call option writer, is able to effect a closing purchase transaction, it will not be able to liquidate securities (or other assets) used as cover until the option expires or is exercised. In the event of insolvency of the other party, the Fund may be unable to liquidate an over-the-counter option. With respect to options written by the Fund, the inability to enter into a closing transaction may result in material losses to the Fund. For example, since the Fund must maintain a secured position with respect to any call option on a security it writes, the Fund may not sell the assets which it has segregated to secure the position while it is obligated under the option. This requirement may impair the Funds ability to sell portfolio securities at a time when such sale might be advantageous.
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The SEC has taken the position that purchased over-the-counter options are illiquid securities. The Fund may treat the cover used for written over-the-counter options as liquid if the dealer agrees that the Fund may repurchase the over-the-counter option it has written for a maximum price to be calculated by a predetermined formula. In such cases, the over-the-counter option would be considered illiquid only to the extent the maximum purchase price under the formula exceeds the intrinsic value of the option. Accordingly, the Fund will treat over-the-counter options as subject to the Funds limitation on illiquid securities. If the SEC changes its position on the liquidity of over-the-counter options, the Fund will change the treatment of such instruments accordingly.
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Stock Index Options. The Fund may invest in options on indices, including broad-based security indices. Puts and calls on indices are similar to puts and calls on other investments except that all settlements are in cash and gain or loss depends on changes in the index in question rather than on price movements in individual securities. When a fund writes a call on an index, it receives a premium and agrees that, prior to the expiration date, the purchaser of the call, upon exercise of the call, will receive from the fund an amount of cash if the closing level of the index upon which the call is based is greater than the exercise price of the call. The amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the call times a specified multiple (multiplier), which determines the total dollar value for each point of such difference. When a fund buys a call on an index, it pays a premium and has the same rights as to such call as are indicated above. When a fund buys a put on an index, it pays a premium and has the right, prior to the expiration date, to require the seller of the put, upon the funds exercise of the put, to deliver to the fund an amount of cash if the closing level of the index upon which the put is based is less than the exercise price of the put, which amount of cash is determined by the multiplier, as described above for calls. When a fund writes a put on an index, it receives a premium and the purchaser of the put has the right, prior to the expiration date, to require the fund to deliver to it an amount of cash equal to the difference between the closing level of the index and exercise price times the multiplier if the closing level is less than the exercise price.
The risks of investment in options on indices may be greater than options on securities. Because index options are settled in cash, if a fund writes a call on an index it cannot provide in advance for its potential settlement obligations by acquiring and holding the underlying index. A fund can offset some of the risk of writing a call index option by holding a diversified portfolio of securities or instruments similar to those on which the underlying index is based. However, a fund cannot, as a practical matter, acquire and hold a portfolio containing exactly the same securities or instruments as underlie the index and, as a result, bears a risk that the value of the securities or instruments held will vary from the value of the index.
Even if the Fund could assemble a portfolio that exactly reproduced the composition of the underlying index, it still would not be fully covered from a risk standpoint because of the timing risk inherent in writing index options. When an index option is exercised, the amount of cash that the holder is entitled to receive is determined by the difference between the exercise price and the closing index level on the date when the option is exercised. As with other kinds of options, a fund as the call writer will not learn of the assignment until the next business day at the earliest. The time lag between exercise and notice of assignment poses no risk for the writer of a covered call on a specific underlying security or instrument, such as common stock, because there the writers obligation is to deliver the underlying security or instrument, not to pay its value as of a fixed time in the past. So long as the writer already owns the underlying security or instrument, it can satisfy its settlement obligations by simply delivering it, and the risk that its value may have declined since the exercise date is borne by the exercising holder. In contrast, even if the writer of an index call holds investments that exactly match the composition of the underlying index, it will not be able to satisfy its assignment obligations by delivering those investments against payment of the exercise price. Instead, it will be required to pay cash in an
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amount based on the closing index value on the exercise date. By the time it learns that it has been assigned, the index may have declined, with a corresponding decline in the value of its portfolio. This timing risk is an inherent limitation on the ability of index call writers to cover their risk exposure by holding security or instrument positions.
If the Fund has purchased an index option and exercises it before the closing index value for that day is available, it runs the risk that the level of the underlying index may subsequently change. If such a change causes the exercised option to fall out-of-the-money, the Fund will be required to pay the difference between the closing index value and the exercise price of the option (times the applicable multiplier) to the assigned writer.
Debt Securities
Debt securities are used by issuers to borrow money. Generally, issuers pay investors periodic interest and repay the amount borrowed either periodically during the life of the security and/or at maturity. Some debt securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current interest, but are purchased at a discount from their face values and accrue interest at the applicable coupon rate over a specified time period. The market prices of debt securities fluctuate depending on such factors as interest rates, credit quality and maturity. In general, market prices of debt securities decline when interest rates rise and increase when interest rates fall.
Lower rated debt securities, those rated Ba or below by Moodys Investor Service, Inc. (Moodys) and/or BB or below by Standard & Poors Rating Group (S&P) or unrated but determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality, are described by the rating agencies as speculative and involve greater risk of default or price changes than higher rated debt securities due to changes in the issuers creditworthiness or the fact that the issuer may already be in default. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate more than higher quality securities and may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty. It may be more difficult to sell or to determine the value of lower rated debt securities.
Certain additional risk factors related to debt securities are discussed below:
Sensitivity to interest rate and economic changes. Debt securities may be sensitive to economic changes, political and corporate developments, and interest rate changes. In addition, during an economic downturn or periods of rising interest rates, issuers that are highly leveraged may experience increased financial stress that could adversely affect their ability to meet projected business goals, obtain additional financing, and service their principal and interest payment obligations. Furthermore, periods of economic change and uncertainty can be expected to result in increased volatility of market prices and yields of certain debt securities. For example, prices of these securities can be affected by financial contracts held by the issuer or third parties (such as derivatives) related to the security or other assets or indices.
Payment expectations. Debt securities may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a lower interest rate environment, the Fund would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in decreased income to investors. If the issuer of a debt security defaults on its obligations to pay interest or principal or is the subject of
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bankruptcy proceedings, the Fund may incur losses or expenses in seeking recovery of amounts owed to it.
Liquidity and valuation. There may be limited trading in the secondary market for particular debt securities, which may adversely affect the Funds ability to accurately value or sell such debt securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the value and/or liquidity of debt securities. The Adviser attempts to reduce the risks described above through diversification of the Funds portfolio, credit analysis of each issuer, and by monitoring broad economic trends as well as corporate and legislative developments, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so. Credit ratings of debt securities provided by rating agencies indicate a measure of the safety of principal and interest payments, not market value risk. The rating of an issuer is a rating agencys view of past and future potential developments related to the issuer and may not necessarily reflect actual outcomes. There can be a lag between corporate developments and the time a rating is assigned and updated.
Changing Fixed Income Market Conditions. Following the financial crisis that began in 2007, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve) has attempted to stabilize the U.S. economy and support the U.S. economic recovery by keeping the federal funds rate at or near zero percent. In addition, the Federal Reserve has purchased large quantities of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities on the open market (Quantitative Easing). As the Federal Reserve tapers or reduces Quantitative Easing, and when the Federal Reserve raises the federal funds rate, there is a risk that interest rates across the U.S. financial system will rise. These policy changes may expose fixed-income and related markets to heightened volatility and may reduce liquidity for certain Fund investments, which could cause the value of the Funds investments and share price to decline. Because the Fund invests in derivatives tied to fixed income markets it may be more substantially exposed to these risks than a fund that does not invest in derivatives. To the extent the Fund experiences high redemptions because of these policy changes, the Fund may experience increased portfolio turnover, which will increase the costs that the Fund incurs and may lower the Funds performance. The liquidity levels of the Funds portfolio may also be affected. In addition, decreases since 2007 in fixed income dealer market-making capacity may persist in the future, potentially leading to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Bond rating agencies may assign modifiers (such as +/) to ratings categories to signify the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Investment policies that are based on ratings categories should be read to include any security within that category, without considering the modifier. Please refer to Appendix A for more information about credit ratings.
Lower-Rated Debt Securities
The Fund may invest in lower-rated fixed-income securities (commonly known as junk bonds). The lower ratings reflect a greater possibility that adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer or in general economic conditions, or both, or an unanticipated rise in
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interest rates, may impair the ability of the issuer to make payments of interest and principal. The inability (or perceived inability) of issuers to make timely payment of interest and principal would likely make the values of securities held by the Fund more volatile and could limit the Funds ability to sell its securities at prices approximating the values the Fund had placed on such securities. In the absence of a liquid trading market for securities held by it, the Fund at times may be unable to establish the fair value of such securities. Securities ratings are based largely on the issuers historical financial condition and the rating agencies analysis at the time of rating. Consequently, the rating assigned to any particular security is not necessarily a reflection of the issuers current financial condition, which may be better or worse than the rating would indicate. In addition, the rating assigned to a security by Moodys or S&P (or by any other nationally recognized securities rating agency) does not reflect an assessment of the volatility of the securitys market value or the liquidity of an investment in the security.
Like those of other fixed-income securities, the values of lower-rated securities fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates. A decrease in interest rates will generally result in an increase in the value of the Funds fixed-income assets. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the value of the Funds fixed-income assets will generally decline. The values of lower-rated securities may often be affected to a greater extent by changes in general economic conditions and business conditions affecting the issuers of such securities and their industries. Negative publicity or investor perceptions may also adversely affect the values of lower-rated securities. Changes by nationally recognized securities rating agencies in their ratings of any fixed-income security and changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal may also affect the value of these investments. Changes in the value of portfolio securities generally will not affect income derived from these securities, but will affect the Funds net asset value. The Fund will not necessarily dispose of a security when its rating is reduced below its rating at the time of purchase. However, the Adviser will monitor the investment to determine whether its retention will assist in meeting the Funds investment objective. Issuers of lower-rated securities are often highly leveraged, so that their ability to service their debt obligations during an economic downturn or during sustained periods of rising interest rates may be impaired. Such issuers may not have more traditional methods of financing available to them and may be unable to repay outstanding obligations at maturity by refinancing. The risk of loss due to default in payment of interest or repayment of principal by such issuers is significantly greater because such securities frequently are unsecured and subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. It is possible that, under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund could find it more difficult to sell these securities when the Adviser believes it advisable to do so or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower than if they were more widely held. Under these circumstances, it may also be more difficult to determine the fair value of such securities for purposes of computing the Funds net asset value. In order to enforce its rights in the event of a default, the Fund may be required to participate in various legal proceedings or take possession of and manage assets securing the issuers obligations on such securities. This could increase the Funds operating expenses and adversely affect the Funds net asset value. The ability of a holder of a tax-exempt security to enforce the terms of that security in a bankruptcy proceeding may be more limited than would be the case with respect to securities of private issuers. In addition, the Funds intention to qualify as a regulated investment company
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under the Internal Revenue Code may limit the extent to which the fund may exercise its rights by taking possession of such assets. To the extent the Fund invests in securities in the lower rating categories, the achievement of the Funds investment objective is more dependent on the Advisers investment analysis than would be the case if the Fund were investing in securities in the higher rating categories.
Sovereign Debt Obligations
The Fund may invest in sovereign debt obligations, which are securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments, governmental agencies or instrumentalities and political subdivisions, including debt of Latin American nations or other developing countries. Sovereign debt may be in the form of conventional securities or other types of debt instruments such as loans or loan participations. Sovereign debt of developing countries may involve a high degree of risk, and may be in default or present the risk of default. Governmental entities responsible for repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal and pay interest when due, and may require renegotiation or rescheduling of debt payments. In addition, prospects for repayment of principal and payment of interest may depend on political as well as economic factors. Although some sovereign debt, such as Brady Bonds, is collateralized by U.S. Government securities, repayment of principal and payment of interest is not guaranteed by the U.S. Government. There is no bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt on which governmental entities have defaulted may be collected in whole or in part.
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including (i) securities for which there is no readily available market; (ii) securities in which the disposition would be subject to legal restrictions (so called restricted securities); and (iii) repurchase agreements having more than seven days to maturity. However, the Fund will not acquire illiquid securities if, as a result, such securities would comprise more than 15% of the value of the Funds net assets. The Board or its delegate has the ultimate authority to determine, to the extent permissible under the federal securities laws, which securities are liquid or illiquid for purposes of this 15% limitation. The Board has delegated to the Advisor the day-to-day determination of the illiquidity of any security held by the Fund, although it has retained oversight and ultimate responsibility for such determinations. Although no definitive liquidity criteria are used, the Board has directed the Advisor to consider to such factors as (a) frequency of trading and availability of quotations; (b) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the availability of buyers; (c) the willingness of dealers to be market makers in the security; and (d) the nature of trading activity including (i) the time needed to dispose of a position or part of a position and (ii) offer and solicitation methods. A considerable period of time may elapse between the Funds decision to sell such securities and the time when the Fund is able to sell them, during which time the value of the securities could decline. Illiquid securities will usually be priced at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board or its delegate. If, through the appreciation of illiquid securities or the depreciation of liquid securities, more than 15% of the value of the Funds net assets is invested in illiquid securities, including restricted securities which are not readily marketable, the Fund will take such steps as is deemed advisable, if any, to protect liquidity.
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Restricted securities may be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or in a public offering with respect to which a registration statement is in effect under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). Where registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than that which prevailed when it decided to sell. Restricted securities issued pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act that have a readily available market usually are not deemed illiquid for purposes of this limitation by the Fund. However, investing in Rule 144A securities could result in increasing the level of the Funds illiquidity if qualified institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities.
OTHER INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, POLICIES AND RISKS
Temporary Investments
The Fund may take temporary defensive measures that are inconsistent with the Funds normal fundamental or non-fundamental investment policies and strategies in response to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions as determined by the Advisor. Such measures could include, but are not limited to, investments in (1) highly liquid short-term fixed income securities issued by or on behalf of municipal or corporate issuers, obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies, commercial paper, and bank certificates of deposit; (2) repurchase agreements involving any such securities; and (3) other money market instruments. The Fund may also invest in shares of money market mutual funds to the extent permitted under applicable law. Money market mutual funds are investment companies, and the investments in those companies by the Fund are in some cases subject to certain fundamental investment restrictions. As a shareholder in a mutual fund, the Fund will bear its ratable shares of its expenses, including management fees, and will remain subject to payment of the fees to the Advisor, with respect to assets so invested. The Fund may not achieve its investment objectives during temporary defensive periods.
Cash Defensive Position
When deemed appropriate by the Advisor for short term defensive purposes, the Fund may hold up to 100% of its assets in cash and equivalents including government obligations in the local currency of any developed country including the United States, commercial paper and certificates of deposit.
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Short-Term Investments
The Fund may invest in any of the following securities and instruments:
Bank Certificates of Deposit, Bankers Acceptances and Time Deposits. The Fund may acquire certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances and time deposits in U.S. Dollar or foreign currencies, subject to the Advisers review of the issuing institutions credit risk and overall financial condition. Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates issued against monies deposited in a commercial bank for a definite period of time and earning a specified return. Bankers acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange, normally drawn by an importer or exporter to pay for specific merchandise, which are accepted by a bank, meaning in effect that the bank unconditionally agrees to pay the face value of the instrument on maturity. If the Fund holds instruments of foreign banks or financial institutions, it may be subject to additional investment risks that are different in some respects from those incurred if the Fund invests only in debt obligations of U.S. domestic issuers. See Foreign Securities above. Such risks include future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of withholding taxes by the particular country in which the issuer is located, the possible confiscation or nationalization of foreign deposits, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other foreign governmental restrictions which may adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on these securities.
Domestic banks and foreign banks are subject to different governmental regulations with respect to the amount and types of loans that may be made and interest rates that may be charged. In addition, the profitability of the banking industry depends largely upon the availability and cost of funds and the interest income generated from lending operations. General economic conditions, government policy (including emergency measures) and the quality of loan portfolios affect the banking industry.
As a result of federal and state laws and regulations, domestic banks are required to maintain specified levels of reserves, limited in the amount that they can loan to a single borrower, and are subject to regulations designed to promote financial soundness. However, such laws and regulations may not necessarily apply to foreign banks, thereby affecting the risk involved in bank obligations that the Fund may acquire.
In addition to purchasing certificates of deposit and bankers acceptances, to the extent permitted under its investment strategies and policies stated in the Prospectus and in this SAI, the Fund may invest in interest-bearing time deposits or other interest-bearing deposits in commercial or savings banks or micro-finance institutions. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained at a banking institution for a specified period of time at a specified interest rate.
Commercial Paper, Short-Term Notes and Other Corporate Obligations. The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in commercial paper and short-term notes. Commercial paper consists of unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations. Issues of commercial paper and short-term notes will normally have maturities of less than nine months and fixed rates of return, although such instruments may have maturities of up to one year.
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Corporate debt obligations are subject to the risk of an issuers inability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligations, i.e., credit risk. The Adviser may actively expose the Fund to credit risk. However, there can be no guarantee that the Adviser will be successful in making the right selections and thus fully mitigate the impact of credit risk changes on the Fund.
Government Obligations
The Fund may invest in short-term U.S. Government obligations. Such obligations include Treasury bills, certificates of indebtedness, notes and bonds. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Treasury bills, the most frequently issued marketable government securities, have a maturity of up to one year and are issued on a discount basis. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed by government-sponsored enterprises.
Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself. In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities, including government-sponsored enterprises, where it is not obligated to do so. In addition, U.S. Government obligations are subject to fluctuations in market value due to fluctuations in market interest rates. As a general matter, the value of debt instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, declines when market interest rates increase and rises when market interest rates decrease. Certain types of U.S. Government obligations are subject to fluctuations in yield or value due to their structure or contract terms.
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with respect to its portfolio securities. Pursuant to such agreements, the Fund acquires securities from financial institutions such as banks and broker-dealers deemed to be creditworthy by the Adviser, subject to the sellers agreement to repurchase and the Funds agreement to resell such securities at a mutually agreed upon date and price. The Adviser monitors the value of the collateral to ensure that its value always equals or exceeds the repurchase price and also monitors the financial condition of the seller of the repurchase agreement. The Board of Trustees of the Trust has adopted, and annually reviews, the Advisers compliance with procedures designed to ensure that the repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund are fully collateralized. The repurchase agreements will be fully collateralized as appropriate in conformity with Rule 5b-3 under the 1940 Act.
The repurchase price generally equals the price paid by the Fund plus interest negotiated on the basis of current short-term rates (which may be more or less than the rate on the
25
underlying portfolio security). Securities subject to repurchase agreements will be held by the custodian or in the Federal Reserve/Treasury Book-Entry System or an equivalent foreign system. The seller under a repurchase agreement will be required to maintain the value of the underlying securities at not less than 102% of the repurchase price under the agreement. If the seller defaults on its repurchase obligation, the Fund will suffer a loss to the extent that the proceeds from a sale of the underlying securities are less than the repurchase price under the agreement. Bankruptcy or insolvency of such a defaulting seller may cause the Funds rights with respect to such securities to be delayed or limited. Repurchase agreements are considered to be loans under the 1940 Act.
Lending Portfolio Securities
The Fund may lend portfolio securities in an amount not exceeding one-third of its net assets to financial institutions such as banks and brokers if the loan is collateralized in accordance with applicable regulations. Under the present regulatory requirements which govern loans of portfolio securities, the loan collateral must, on each business day, at least equal the value of the loaned securities and must consist of cash, letters of credit of domestic banks or domestic branches of foreign banks, or securities of the U.S. Government or its agencies. To be acceptable as collateral, letters of credit must obligate a bank to pay amounts demanded by the Fund if the demand meets the terms of the letter. Such terms and the issuing bank would have to be satisfactory to the Fund. Any loan may be secured by any one or more of the three types of collateral. The terms of the Funds loans must permit the Fund to reacquire loaned securities on five days notice or in time to vote on any serious matter and must meet certain tests under the Code.
Warrants and Rights
The Fund may invest in warrants or rights (including those acquired in units or attached to other securities) that entitle the holder to buy equity securities at a specific price for a specific period of time but will do so only if such equity securities are deemed appropriate by the Advisor. Warrants do not have voting rights, do not earn dividends, and do not entitle the holder to any rights with respect to the assets of the corporation that has issued them. They do not represent ownership of the underlying companies but only the right to purchase shares of those companies at a specified price on or before a specified exercise date. Warrants tend to be more volatile than the underlying stock, and if at a warrants expiration date the stock is trading at a price below the price set in the warrant, the warrant will expire worthless. Conversely, if at the expiration date the stock is trading at a price higher than the price set in the warrant, the Fund can acquire the stock at a price below its market value. The prices of warrants do not necessarily parallel the prices of the underlying securities. An investment in warrants or rights may be considered speculative.
26
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
Fundamental. The investment limitations described below have been adopted by the Trust with respect to the Fund and are fundamental (Fundamental), i.e, they may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As used in the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information, 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. Other investment practices which may be changed by the Board of Trustees without the approval of shareholders to the extent permitted by applicable law, regulation or regulatory policy are considered non-fundamental (Non-Fundamental).
The Fund may not:
1. Issue senior securities, borrow money or pledge its assets, except that (i) the Fund may borrow from banks in amounts not exceeding one-third of its net assets (including the amount borrowed); and (ii) this restriction shall not prohibit the Fund from engaging in options transactions or short sales and in investing in financial futures and reverse repurchase agreements.
2. Act as underwriter, except to the extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the sale of securities in its investment portfolio.
3. Invest 25% or more of its total assets, calculated at the time of purchase and taken at market value, in any one industry or group of industries (other than securities issued by the U.S. Government , its agencies or instrumentalities).
4. Purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate or real estate limited partnerships (although the Fund may purchase and sell securities which are secured by real estate and securities of companies which invest or deal in real estate such as real estate investment trusts (REITs).
5. Make loans of money, except (a) for purchases of debt securities consistent with the investment policies of the Fund, (b) by engaging in repurchase agreements or, (c) through the loan of portfolio securities in an amount up to 33 1/3% of the Funds net assets.
6. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity futures contracts (although the Fund may invest in financial futures and in companies involved in the production, extraction, or processing of agricultural, energy, base metals, precious metals, and other commodity-related products).
The Fund observes the following restriction as a matter of operating but not fundamental policy, pursuant to positions taken by federal regulatory authorities:
27
The Fund may not invest, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets in securities with legal or contractual restrictions on resale, securities that are not readily marketable and repurchase agreements with more than seven days to maturity.
Except with respect to borrowing and circumstances where the Fund is required to cover its positions, if a percentage or rating restriction on investment or use of assets set forth herein or in the Prospectus is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentage resulting from any cause other than actions by the Fund will not be considered a violation. Currently, subject to modification to conform to the 1940 Act as interpreted or modified from time to time, the Fund is permitted, consistent with the 1940 Act, to borrow, and pledge its Shares to secure such borrowing, provided, that immediately thereafter there is asset coverage of at least 300% for all borrowings by the Fund from a bank. If borrowings exceed this 300% asset coverage requirement by reason of a decline in net assets of the Fund, the Fund will reduce its borrowings within three days (not including Sundays and holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 300% asset coverage requirement. The 1940 Act also permits a Fund to borrow for temporary purposes only in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of its total assets at the time when the loan is made. A loan shall be presumed to be for temporary purposes if it is repaid within 60 days and is not extended or renewed. To the extent outstanding borrowings of the Fund exceed 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund, the Fund will not make additional purchases of securities the foregoing shall not be construed to prevent the Fund from settling portfolio transactions or satisfying shareholder redemptions orders. The SEC has indicated, however, that certain types of transactions, which could be deemed borrowings (such as firm commitment agreements and reverse repurchase agreements), are permissible if a Fund covers the agreements by establishing and maintaining segregated accounts.
Currently, with respect to senior securities, the 1940 Act and regulatory interpretations of relevant provisions of the 1940 Act establish the following general limits, subject to modification to conform to the 1940 Act as interpreted or modified from time to time: Open-end registered investment companies such as the Fund are not permitted to issue any class of senior security or to sell any senior security of which they are the issuers. The Trust is, however, permitted to issue separate series of Shares (the Fund is a series of the Trust) and to divide those series into separate classes. Individual class and institutional class are separate classes. The Fund has no intention of issuing senior securities, except that the Trust has issued its Shares in separate series and may divide those series into classes of Shares. Collateral arrangements with respect to forward contracts, futures contracts or options, including deposits of initial and variation margin, are not considered to be the issuance of a senior security for purposes of this restriction.
With respect to investment restriction number 3 above and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations, the Fund will not invest more than 25% of its net assets in securities of a particular industry or group of industries.
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INVESTMENT ADVISER
Strategic Asset Management, Ltd., a Cayman Islands corporation with its principal office and place of business in Calle Ayacucho No. 277, La Paz, Bolivia, acts as investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (the Advisory Agreement). Subject to such policies as the Board of Trustees may determine, the Adviser is ultimately responsible for investment decisions for the Fund. Pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides the Fund with such investment advice and supervision, as it deems necessary for the proper supervision of the Funds investments. The Adviser also continuously monitors and maintains the Funds investment criteria and determines from time to time what securities may be purchased by the Fund. The Adviser is owned by GeZu S.A. (a Panamanian new business and project development company controlled by Mr. G. Zuazo) with 60%, and Mr. Alberto Valdes with 40%.
The Advisory Agreement will remain in effect for an initial two-year period. After the initial two-year period, the Advisory Agreement continue in effect from year to year only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Funds outstanding voting securities and by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or interested persons of any such party, at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Advisory Agreement. The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on behalf of the Fund, upon giving the Adviser 60 days notice when authorized either by a majority vote of the Funds shareholders or by a vote of a majority of the Board, or by the Adviser on 60 days written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser under such agreement shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the Advisory Agreement, except for a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty, or for a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard by the Advisor of its duties under the Advisory Agreement.
In consideration of the services to be provided by the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is entitled to receive from the Fund an investment advisory fee computed daily and paid monthly based on an annual rate equal to a percentage of the Funds average daily net assets specified in the Prospectus.
The Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses(all of which will be borne directly or indirectly by the Funds shareholders), including among others, legal fees and expenses of counsel to the Fund and the Funds independent trustees; insurance (including trustees and officers errors and omissions insurance); auditing and accounting expenses; taxes and governmental fees; listing fees; dues and expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; fees and expenses of the Funds custodians, administrators, transfer agents, registrars and other service providers; expenses for portfolio pricing services by a pricing agent, if any; other expenses in connection with the issuance and offering of shares; expenses relating to investor and public relations; expenses of registering or qualifying securities of the Fund for public sale; brokerage commissions and other costs of acquiring or disposing of any portfolio holding of the Fund; expenses of preparation and distribution of reports, notices
29
and dividends to shareholders; expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan; compensation and expenses of trustees; any litigation expenses; and costs of shareholders and other meetings.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or to pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that the total annual fund operating expenses (exclusive of interest, distribution fees pursuant to Rule 12b-1 Plans, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses and dividend expense on short sales) do not exceed 1.55% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. This agreement is in effect until July 31, 2016, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trusts Board of Trustees.
Any reduction in advisory fees or payment of Fund expenses made by the Adviser in a fiscal year may be reimbursed by the Fund in any of the three subsequent fiscal years if the Adviser so requests. This reimbursement may be paid by the Fund if such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed the expense limitation that was in place at the time the fee being recouped was waived. Any such reimbursement is contingent upon the Boards subsequent review and ratification of the reimbursed amounts and may not cause the total operating expenses paid by the Fund in a fiscal year to exceed the applicable limitation on Fund expenses. The Fund must pay current ordinary operating expenses before the Advisor is entitled to any reimbursement of fees and/or Fund expenses.
On October 31, 2014, the Predecessor Fund was reorganized into a new series of the Trust (the Fund). Prior to the reorganization the Adviser was the investment adviser to the Predecessor Fund and received payments for each of the years set forth below. Additionally, fee waivers and reimbursements as described above by the Adviser with regard to the Predecessor Fund will continue to be recoverable. Such recoupment was approved by shareholders in connection with the reorganization of the Predecessor Fund into the Trust.
The Adviser retains the right to use the name Strategic Asset Management or any derivative thereof 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 Strategic Asset Management or any derivative thereof automatically ceases ninety days after termination of the Advisory Agreement and may be withdrawn by the Adviser on ninety days written notice. The services furnished by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement are not exclusive, and the Adviser is free to perform similar services for others.
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
30
Fund believes that there would be no material impact on the Fund or its shareholders. 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 financial institutions services will be lower than to those shareholders who do not. The Fund may from time to time purchase securities issued by financial institutions that provide such services; however, in selecting investments for the Fund, no preference will be shown for such securities.
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Mauricio Alvarez has been the Portfolio Manager for the Fund since April 2014. Mr. Alvarez has 15 years of investment experience. Since October 2010, Mr. Alvarez has served as the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) of the Advisor, and he has been involved in implementing the strategies and decisions of the Strategic Latin America Fund. From 2009 to 2010, Mr. Alvarez was the Chief Executive Officer and CCO of Mercantil Santa Cruz Agencia de Bolsa, an asset manager and broker dealer subsidiary of Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz S.A., a Bolivian bank. From 2005 to 2009. Mr. Alvarez served as an Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager for Mid America Bank (which was acquired by National City Corporation, which was later acquired by PNC Bank), where he focused on training, business development, customer service and management. From 2002 to 2004, Mr. Alvarez worked for Nacional de Valores, the investment firm of Banco Nacional de Bolivia, where he was in charge of the strategies, decisions and trades for its investment advisor and broker dealer. Mr. Alvarez began his career in 1999 as an investment officer and working for the broker dealer for Credibolsa Investments, a subsidiary in Bolivia of Credicorp Group of Peru.
Mr. Alvarez has a degree in economics from the Bolivian Catholic University and a Specialization in market analysis and portfolio management from the Instituto de Estudios Bursatiles in Madrid, Spain.
As of June 30, 2014, information on other accounts managed by Mr. Alvarez is as follows:
Material Conflicts of Interests . Currently, the Adviser and the portfolio manager only manage the Fund and have no other investment clients. The Adviser will allocate all investment opportunities to the Fund. Should the Adviser decide in the future to offer and provide its
31
services to more than one client, the Adviser will adopt procedures to ensure that allocations of investment opportunities are done in a fair and equitable basis for all clients.
Compensation . The Portfolio Manager is compensated by the Adviser. He receives a fixed base salary, and his compensation is not based on the profitability of a single client or strategy.
Securities Owned in the Fund by the Portfolio Manager . As of March 31, 2014, the Portfolio Manager did not own any of the equity securities of the Fund.
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Administrator . Pursuant to the Administrative Services Agreement with the Trust (the Services Agreement), Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc. (CSS), located at 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235, serves as the administrator of the Fund. CSS supervises all aspects of the operation of the Fund, except those performed by the Adviser. CSS provides certain administrative services and facilities for the Fund, including preparing and maintaining certain books, records, and monitoring compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements.
As administrator, CSS provides shareholder, recordkeeping, administrative and blue-sky filing services. For such administrative services, CSS receives an asset-based fee based on the average daily net assets of the Fund, subject to an annual minimum.
Prior to the reorganization, UMB Fund Services, Inc., 803 W. Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233 and Mutual Fund Administration Cooperation, 2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226, Glendora, California 91740, acted as co-administrators to provide administration services to the Predecessor Fund.
The Predecessor Fund paid the following co-administrator fees: for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014 $42,888; for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 $42,003; and for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 $23,660.
Custodian . UMB Bank, N.A. (the Custodian), 928 Grand Blvd., 5th Floor, Kansas City, Missouri 64106, serves as the custodian of the Funds assets. The Custodian has entered into a foreign sub-custody arrangement with Citibank, N.A., as the approved foreign custody manager (the Delegate) to perform certain functions with respect to the custody of the Funds assets outside of the United States of America. The Delegate shall place and maintain the Funds assets with an eligible foreign custodian; provided that, the Delegate shall be required to determine that the Funds assets will be subject to reasonable care based on the standards applicable to custodians in the relevant market.
Accounting Services . UMB Fund Services, Inc., (UMB) 803 W. Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233 acts as the accounting services agent of the Fund. As such, UMB
32
maintains and keeps current the books, accounts, records, journals or other records of original entry relating to the Funds business.
Transfer Agent . Pursuant to a Transfer Agent Agreement with the Trust, Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. (CFSI or the Transfer Agent) acts as the Trusts transfer and dividend disbursing agent. CFSI is located at 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235.
CFSI provides certain shareholder and other services to the Trust, including furnishing account and transaction information and maintaining shareholder account records. CFSI is responsible for processing orders and payments for share purchases. CFSI mails proxy materials (and receives and tabulates proxies), shareholder reports, confirmation forms for purchases and redemptions and prospectuses to shareholders. CFSI disburses income dividends and capital distributions and prepares and files appropriate tax-related information concerning dividends and distributions to shareholders. For its services as transfer agent, CFSI receives per account fees and transaction charges against a minimum fee plus out-of-pocket expenses.
Prior to the reorganization, UMB Fund Services, Inc., 235 W. Galena Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, acted as the transfer agent for the Predecessor Fund.
Principal Underwriter . First Dominion Capital Corp. (FDCC or the Distributor), located at 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235, serves as the principal underwriter and national distributor for the shares of the Fund pursuant to a Distribution Agreement (the Distribution Agreement). The continuance of the Distribution Agreement must be specifically approved at least annually (i) by the vote of the Trustees or by a vote of the shareholders of the Fund and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operations of the Distribution Agreement or any related agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
FDCC is registered as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. The offering of the Funds shares is continuous. The Distributor is entitled to a portion of the front-end sales charge on the sale of Class A Shares as described in the prospectus and this SAI. The Distributor is also entitled to the payment of deferred sales charges upon the redemption of Fund shares as described in the applicable prospectus and this SAI. In addition, the Distributor may receive Distribution 12b-1 and Service Fees from the Fund, as described in the applicable prospectus and this SAI.
John Pasco, III, interested trustee and Chairman of the Board, is the sole owner of CSS, CFSI, and FDCC. Therefore, CSS, CFSI, and FDCC may be deemed to be affiliates of the Trust and each other.
Prior to the reorganization, IMST Distributors, LLC, Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101, acted as the distributor of the Predecessor Funds shares.
33
The following table shows the aggregate amount of commissions retained by the Distributor for the Predecessor Fund:
Fiscal
year
ended March 31 st |
Amount
of
Commissions |
Amount
Retained |
2014 | $19,040 | $16 |
2013 | $61,349 | $202 |
2012 | $52 | $0 |
Legal Counsel . 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, serves as legal counsel to the Trust and the Fund.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, 1818 Market Street, Suite 2400, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, is the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund. Its services include auditing the Funds financial statements and the performance of related tax services.
TRUSTEES & OFFICERS OF THE TRUST
Trustees and Officers . The Trust is governed by the Board, which is responsible for protecting the interests of shareholders. 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. The names, addresses and ages of the trustees and officers of the Trust, together with information as to their principal occupations during the past five years, are listed below. The trustees who are considered interested persons as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, as well as those persons affiliated with the investment adviser and the principal underwriter, and officers of the Trust, are noted with an asterisk(*).
Each Trustee was nominated to serve on the Board of Trustees based on their particular experiences, qualifications, attributes and skills. Generally, the Trust believes that each Trustee is competent to serve because of their individual overall merits including: (i) experience, (ii) qualifications, (iii) attributes and (iv) skills. Mr. David J. Urban has been a Professor of Education since 1989. His strategic planning, organizational and leadership skills help the Board set long-term goals. Ms. Mary Lou H. Ivey has over 10 years of business experience as a practicing tax accountant and, as such, brings tax, budgeting and financial reporting skills to the Board. Mr. Theo H. Pitt has experience as an investor, including his role as trustee of several other investment companies and business experience as Senior Partner of a financial consulting company, as a partner of a real estate partnership and as an Account Administrator for a money
34
management firm. Mr. John Pasco III serves as President, Treasurer and Director of the Trusts administrator and also serves as a member of 2 other mutual fund boards outside of the Fund Complex. Mr. Pasco has over 30 years of experience in the mutual fund industry, including several years on staff with the Securities and Exchange Commission. With experience from these positions, he is able to provide the Board with knowledge and insight related to fund administration. The Trust does not believe any one factor is determinative in assessing a Trustees qualifications, but that the collective experience of each Trustee makes them each highly qualified.
Following is a list of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust and their principal occupation over the last five years.
INTERESTED TRUSTEES
NAME,
ADDRESS
AND AGE |
POSITION(S)
HELD WITH THE TRUST |
TERM
OF
OFFICE AND LENGTH OF TIME SERVED |
PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS |
NUMBER
OF FUNDS IN FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE |
OTHER
DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY TRUSTEE DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS |
John Pasco
III*
8730 Stony Point Pkwy Suite 205 Richmond, VA 23235 Age: 69 |
Trustee | Indefinite, Since June 2010 | President, Treasurer and Director of Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc. (CSS), the Trusts Administrator; President and Director of First Dominion Capital Corp. (FDCC), the Trusts underwriter; President and Director of Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc (CFSI), the Trusts Transfer and Disbursing Agent; President and Director of Commonwealth Fund Accounting, Inc. (CFA), which provides bookkeeping services to the Trust; Chairman, Trustee and President of World Insurance Trust, a registered investment company, from May, 2002 to December 2009; and Chairman, Director and President of The World Funds, Inc., a registered investment company, since 1997. Mr. Pasco is a certified public accountant. | 14 | The World Funds, Inc.; American Growth Fund, Inc. |
*Mr. Pasco would be an interested trustee, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, because of his positions with and financial interests in CSS, CFSI, CFA and FDCC.
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES
NAME,
ADDRESS
AND AGE |
POSITION(S)
HELD WITH THE TRUST |
TERM
OF
OFFICE AND LENGTH OF TIME SERVED |
PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS |
NUMBER
OF FUNDS IN FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE |
OTHER
DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY TRUSTEE DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS |
David J. Urban
8730 Stony Point |
Trustee | Indefinite, Since June 2010 | Dean, Jones College of Business, Middle Tennessee State University | 14 | None |
35
NAME,
ADDRESS
AND AGE |
POSITION(S)
HELD WITH THE TRUST |
TERM
OF
OFFICE AND LENGTH OF TIME SERVED |
PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS |
NUMBER
OF FUNDS IN FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE |
OTHER
DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY TRUSTEE DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS |
Pkwy Suite
205
Richmond, VA 23235 Age: 59 |
since June 2013; Virginia Commonwealth University, Professor of Education from 1989 to 2013. | ||||
Mary Lou H.
Ivey
8730 Stony Point Pkwy Suite 205 Richmond, VA 23235 Age: 56 |
Trustee | Indefinite, Since June 2010 | Accountant, Harris, Hardy & Johnstone, P.C., accounting firm, since 2008; Accountant, Wildes, Stevens & Brackens & Co., accounting firm, from 2007 to 2008; Accountant, Martin, Dolan & Holton, Ltd., accounting firm, from1997 to 2007. | 14 | None |
Theo H. Pitt,
Jr.
8730 Stony Point Pkwy Suite 205 Richmond, VA 23235 Age: 78 |
Trustee | Indefinite; Since August 2013 | Senior Partner, Community Financial Institutions Consulting (bank consulting) since 1997 and Account Administrator, Holden Wealth Management Group of Wachovia Securities (money management firm) 2003 to 2008. | 14 | Independent Trustee of Gardner Lewis Investment Trust for the two series of that trust; Vertical Capital Investors Trust for the two series of that trust; Hillman Capital Management Investment Trust for the one series of that trust; Starboard Investment Trust for the 22 series of that trust; and previously the DGHM Investment Trust for the two series of that Trust; (all registered investment companies). |
OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT TRUSTEES
36
8730 Stony
Point
Pkwy Suite 205 Richmond, VA 23235 Age: 45 |
Since November 2013 | Lively & Associates, Inc. (law firm), March 2010 to present: Attorney, Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP (law firm), March 2007 to February 2010. | |||
Cynthia D.
Baughman
8730 Stony Point Pkwy Suite 205 Richmond, VA 23235 Age: 45 |
Assistant Secretary | Indefinite, Since November 2013 | Attorney, The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc. (law firm), July 2011 to present; Associate, Investment Law Group, LLP (law firm) (May 2009 June 2011); Associate, Dechert, LLP (law firm) (Oct. 1999 Feb. 2009). | N/A | N/A |
Lauren Jones
8730 Stony Point Pkwy Suite 205 Richmond, VA 23235 Age: 31 |
Assistant Secretary | Indefinite, Since December 2009 | Relationship Manager, Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc., since 2006. | N/A | N/A |
Julian G.
Winters
8730 Stony Point Pkwy Suite 205 Richmond, VA 23235 Age: 45 |
Chief Compliance Officer | Indefinite, Since August 2013 | Managing Member of Watermark Solutions, LLC (investment compliance and consulting) since March 2007. | N/A | N/A |
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees oversees the Trust and certain aspects of the services that the Adviser and the Funds other service providers. Each trustee will hold office until their successors have been duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. Each officer of the Trust serves at the pleasure of the Board and for a term of one year or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.
The Trust has a standing Audit Committee of the Board composed of Mr. Urban, Ms. Ivey and Mr. Pitt. The functions of the Audit Committee are to meet with the Trusts independent auditors to review the scope and findings of the annual audit, discuss the Trusts accounting policies, discuss any recommendations of the independent auditors with respect to the Trusts management practices, review the impact of changes in accounting standards on the Trusts financial statements, recommend to the Board the selection of independent registered public accounting firm, and perform such other duties as may be assigned to the Audit Committee by the Board. For the Trusts most recent fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, the Audit Committee met four times.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is comprised of Mr. Urban, Ms. Ivey and Mr. Pitt. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees purposes, duties and powers are set forth in its written charter, which is described in Exhibit C the charter also describes the process by which shareholders of the Trust may make nominations. The Trust established this Committee on August 2, 2013 and, as of March 31, 2014, the Committee met two times.
37
The Valuation Committee is comprised of Mr. Urban, Ms. Ivey and Mr. Pitt. The Valuation Committee meets as needed in the event that the Funds hold any securities that are subject to valuation and it reviews the fair valuation of such securities on an as needed basis. The Trust established this Committee on August 2, 2013 and, as of March 31, 2014, the Committee did not meet.
Trustee Compensation . Each Trustee who is not an interested person of the Trust may receive compensation for their services to the Trust. All Trustees are reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings.
Name
of
Person / Position |
Aggregate
Compensation From Fund |
Pension
or
Retirement Benefits Accrued As Part of Funds Expenses |
Estimated
Annual Benefits upon Retirement |
Total
Compensation
From Fund and Fund Complex Paid To Trustees (*)(1) |
David J.
Urban, Trustee |
$0 | $0 | $0 | $5,000 |
Mary Lou H.
Ivey, Trustee |
$0 | $0 | $0 | $5,000 |
Theo H. Pitt,
Jr.,Trustee (2) |
$0 | $0 | $0 | $3,750 |
* | Company does not pay deferred compensation. | |
(1) | The Fund Complex consists of the Trust, which is comprised of the twelve Funds. | |
(2) | Mr. Pitt became a Trustee to the Trust on August 2, 2013. |
Trustee Ownership of Fund Shares - As of March 31, 2014, no Trustees owned any amounts of Fund shares.
Sales Loads . No front-end or deferred sales charges are applied to purchase of Fund shares by current or former trustees, officers, employees or agents of the Trust, the Adviseror the principal underwriter and by the members of their immediate families.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees is Mr. Pasco, who is an interested person of the Trust, within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The Trust does not have a lead independent trustee. The use of an interested Chairman balanced by an independent Audit Committee allows the Board to access the expertise necessary of oversee the Trust, identify risks, recognize
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shareholder concerns and needs and highlight opportunities. The Audit Committee is able to focus Board time and attention to matters of interest to shareholders and, through its private sessions with the Trusts auditor, Chief Compliance Officer and legal counsel, stay fully informed regarding management decisions. Considering the size of the Trust and its shareholder base, the Trustees have determined that an interested Chairman balanced by an independent Audit Committee is the appropriate leadership structure for the Board of Trustees.
Mutual funds face a number of risks, including investment risk, compliance risk and valuation risk. The Board oversees management of the Funds risks directly and through its officers. While day-to-day risk management responsibilities rest with the each Funds Chief Compliance Officer, investment advisers and other service providers, the Board monitors and tracks risk by: (1) receiving and reviewing quarterly reports related to the performance and operations of the Funds; (2) reviewing and approving, as applicable, the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust, including the Trusts valuation policies and transaction procedures; (3) periodically meeting with the portfolio manager to review investment strategies, techniques and related risks; (4) meeting with representatives of key service providers, including the Funds investment advisers, administrator, distributor, transfer agent and the independent registered public accounting firm, to discuss the activities of the Funds; (5) engaging the services of the Chief Compliance Officer of the each Fund to monitor and test the compliance procedures of the Trust and its service providers; (6) receiving and reviewing reports from the Trusts independent registered public accounting firm regarding the Funds financial condition and the Trusts internal controls; and (7) receiving and reviewing an annual written report prepared by the Chief Compliance Officer reviewing the adequacy of the Trusts compliance policies and procedures and the effectiveness of their implementation. The Board has concluded that its general oversight of the investment advisers and other service providers as implemented through the reporting and monitoring process outlined above allows the Board to effectively administer its risk oversight function.
Each Trustee was nominated to serve on the Board of Trustees based on their particular experiences, qualifications, attributes and skills. The characteristics that have led the Board to conclude that each of the Trustees should continue to serve as a Trustee of the Trust are discussed below.
Policies Concerning Personal Investment Activities . The Fund, the Adviser, and the Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics, pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that permit investment personnel, subject to their particular code of ethics, to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund, for their own account.
The Codes of Ethics are on file with, and can be reviewed and copied at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, D. C. In addition, the Codes of Ethics are also available on the EDGAR Database on the SECs Internet website at http://www.sec.gov.
Proxy Voting Policies . The Trust is required to disclose information concerning the Funds proxy voting policies and procedures to shareholders. The Board has delegated to Adviser the responsibility for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by the Fund. The
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Adviser will vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy policies and procedures, which have been reviewed by the Board, and which are found in Exhibit A. The Trusts proxy voting policies and procedures are found in Exhibit B.
Any material changes to the proxy policies and procedures will be submitted to the Board for approval. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent 12-month period ending June 30, will be available (1) without charge, upon request by calling (800) 673-0550; and (2) on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SECURITIES HOLDERS
A principal shareholder is any person who owns (either of record or beneficially) 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund. A control person is one who owns, either directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the voting securities of the Fund or acknowledges the existence of such control. As a controlling shareholder, each of these persons could control the outcome of any proposal submitted to the shareholders for approval, including changes to the Funds fundamental policies or the terms of the management agreement with the Adviser.
As of July 2, 2014, the following persons were record owners (or to the knowledge of the Company, beneficial owners) of 5% or more of the shares of Class A Shares of thePredecessor Fund.
Principal Shareholder |
Percentage
of Total Outstanding
Shares of the Fund as of July 2, 2014 |
Grupo Real
SA
La Paz, Bolivia |
83.61% |
As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees and officers own less than 1% of the Funds shares.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
General Policy . The Fund adheres to Section 2(a)(41), and Rule 2a-4 thereunder, of the 1940 Act with respect to the valuation of portfolio securities. In general, securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at current market value, and all other securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board. In complying with the 1940 Act, the Trust relies on guidance provided by the SEC and by the SEC staff in variousinterpretive letters and other guidance.
Equity Securities . Securities listed on a securities exchange, market or automated quotation system for which quotations are readily available (except for securities traded on NASDAQ), including securities traded over the counter, are valued at the last quoted sale price
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on the primary exchange or market (foreign or domestic) on which they are traded on valuation date (or at approximately 4:00 p.m. ET if a securitys primary exchange is normally open at that time), or, if there is no such reported sale on the valuation date, at the most recent quoted bid price. For securities traded on NASDAQ, the NASDAQ Official Closing Price will be used. If such prices are not available or determined to not represent the fair value of the security as of the Funds pricing time, the security will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Trusts Board of Trustees.
Money Market Securities and other Debt Securities . If available, money market securities and other debt securities are priced based upon valuations provided by recognized independent, third-party pricing agents. Such values generally reflect the last reported sales price if the security is actively traded. The third-party pricing agents may also value debt securities by employing methodologies that utilize actual market transactions, broker-suppliedvaluations, or other methodologies designed to identify the market value for such securities. Such methodologies generally consider such factors as security prices, yields, maturities, call features, ratings and developments relating to specific securities in arriving at valuations. Money market securities and other debt securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less may be valued at their amortized cost, which approximates market value. If such prices are not available or determined to not represent the fair value of the security as of the Funds pricing time, the security will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Trusts Board of Trustees.
Use of Third-Party Independent Pricing Agents . Pursuant to contracts with the Administrator, market prices for most securities held by the Fund are provided daily by third-party independent pricing agents that are approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. The valuations provided by third-party independent pricing agents are reviewed daily by the Administrator.
DISTRIBUTION
The Distributor may from time to time offer incentive compensation to dealers (which sell shares of the Fund that are subject to sales charges) allowing such dealers to retain an additional portion of the sales load. A dealer who receives all of the sales load may be considered an underwriter of the Funds shares.
In connection with promotion of the sales of the Fund, the Distributor may, from time to time, offer (to all broker dealers who have a sales agreement with the Distributor) the opportunity to participate in sales incentive programs (which may include non-cash concessions). The Distributor may also, from time to time, pay expenses and fees required in order to participate in dealer sponsored seminars and conferences, reimburse dealers for expenses incurred in connection with pre-approved seminars, conferences and advertising, and may, from time to time, pay or allow additional promotional incentives to dealers as part of pre-approved sales contests.
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Statement of Intention . The reduced sales charge and public offering price applicable to Class A Shares, as set forth in the prospectus, applies to purchases of $25,000 or more made within a 13-month period pursuant to the terms of a written Statement of Intention in the form provided by the Distributor and signed by the purchaser. The Statement of Intention is not a binding obligation to purchase the indicated amount. Class A Shares equal to 4.50% (declining to 1.00% after an aggregate of $1,000,000 has been purchased under the Statement of Intention) of the dollar amount specified in the Statement of Intention will be held in escrow and capital gain distributions on these escrowed shares will be credited to the shareholders account in shares (or paid in cash, if requested). If the intended investment is not completed within the specified 13-month period, the purchaser will remit to the Distributor the difference between the sales charge actually paid and the sales charge which would have been paid if the total purchases had been made at a single time. If the difference is not paid within 20 days after written request by the Distributor or the securities dealer, the appropriate number of escrowed Class A Shares will be redeemed to pay such difference.
In the case of purchase orders by the trustees of certain employee plans by payroll deduction, the sales charge for the investments made during the 13-month period will be based on the following: total investments made the first month of the 13-month period times 13; as the period progresses the sales charge will be based (1) on the actual investment made previously during the 13-month period, plus (2) the current months investments times the number of months remaining in the 13-month period. There will be no retroactive adjustments in sales charge on investments previously made during the 13-month period.
Dealer Reallowances . Class A Shares of the Fund are sold subject to a front-end sales charge as described in the prospectus. The following table shows the amount of the front-end sales charge that is reallowed to dealers as a percentage of the offering price of Class A Shares.
Plan of Distribution . The Fund has a Plan of Distribution or 12b-1 Plan under which it may finance certain activities primarily intended to sell such class of shares, provided the categories of expenses are approved in advance by the Board and the expenses paid under the Plan were incurred within the preceding 12 months and accrued while the 12b-1 Plan is in effect. The Trust has adopted the Plan in accordance with the provisions of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which regulates circumstances under which an investment company may directly or indirectly bear expenses relating to the distribution of its shares. The Trust intends to operate the Plan in accordance with its terms and with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority rules concerning sales charges.
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The 12b-1 Plan provides that the Fund will pay a fee to FDCC at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Funds outstanding Sharesin consideration for distribution and other services and the assumption of related expenses, including the payment of commissions and transaction fees, in conjunction with the offering and sale of the Funds shares. Such fee may be paid in connection with the promotion and distribution of the Funds shares or the provision of personal services to shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, advertising, compensation to underwriters, dealers and selling personnel, the printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current Fund shareholders, the printing and mailing of sales literature and servicing shareholder accounts. The fee is paid to FDCC as compensation for distribution-related activities. It is anticipated that the Plan will benefit shareholders because an effective sales program typically is necessary for the Fund to reach and maintain a sufficient size to achieve efficiently its investment objectives and to realize economies of scale.
The Predecessor Fund paid the following 12b-1 fees for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014:
12b-1 Fees | ||
Payment to Distributor | $74,757 | |
Total | $74,757 | |
Payments for distribution expenses under the 12b-1 Plan are subject to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Rule 12b-1 defines distribution expenses to include the cost of any activity which is primarily intended to result in the sale of shares issued by the Trust. Rule 12b-1 provides, among other things, that an investment company may bear such expenses only pursuant to a plan adopted in accordance with Rule 12b-1. In accordance with Rule 12b-1, the 12b-1 Plan provides that a report of the amounts expended under the 12b-1 Plan, and the purposes for which such expenditures were incurred, will be made to the Board for its review at least quarterly. The 12b-1 Plan provides that it may not be amended to increase materially the costs which shares of the Fund may bear for distribution pursuant to the 12b-1 Plan without shareholder approval, and that any other type of material amendment must be approved by a majority of the Board, and by a majority of the trustees who are neither interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust nor have any direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the 12b-1 Plan or in any related agreement (the 12b-1 Trustees), by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such amendments.
The Trust understands that Service Organizations may charge fees to their customers who are the beneficial owners of Fund shares, in connection with their accounts with such Service Organizations. Any such fees would be in addition to any amounts which may be received by an institution under the applicable 12b-1 Plan. Under the terms of each servicing agreement entered
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into with the Trust, Service Organizations are required to provide to their customers a schedule of any fees that they may charge in connection with customer investments in Fund shares.
The Board has concluded that there is a reasonable likelihood that the 12b-1 Plan will benefit the Fund. The 12b-1 Plan is subject to annual re-approval by a majority of the 12b-1 Trustees and is terminable at any time with respect to the Fund by a vote of a majority of the 12b-1 Trustees or by vote of the holders of a majority of the applicable classes outstanding shares of the Fund. Any agreement entered into pursuant to the 12b-1 Plan with a Service Organization is terminable with respect to the Fund without penalty, at any time, by vote of a majority of the 12b-1 Trustees, by vote of the holders of a majority of the applicable classes outstanding shares of the Fund, by FDCC or by the Service Organization. An agreement will also terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
As long as the 12b-1 Plan is in effect, the nomination of the trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act) must be committed to the discretion of the 12b-1 Trustees.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PURCHASES AND SALES
Purchasing Shares . You may purchase shares of the Fund directly from the Distributor. You may also buy shares through accounts with brokers and other institutions (authorized institutions) that are authorized to place trades in Fund shares for their customers. If you invest through an authorized institution, you will have to follow its procedures. Your institution may charge a fee for its services, in addition to the fees charged by the Fund. You willalso generally have to address your correspondence or questions regarding the Fund to your authorized institution. The offering price per share is equal to the NAV next determined after the Fund or authorized institution receives your purchase order, plus any applicable sales charge.
Your authorized institution is responsible for transmitting all subscription and redemption requests, investment information, documentation and money to the Fund on time. Certain authorized institutions have agreements with the Fund that allow them to enter confirmed purchase or redemption orders on behalf of clients and customers. Under this arrangement, the authorized institution must send your payment to the Fund by the time it prices its shares on the following day. If your authorized institution fails to do so, it may be responsible for any resulting fees or losses.
The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order and to suspend the offering of shares. Under certain circumstances the Trust or the Adviser may waive the minimum initial investment for purchases by officers, trustees, and employees of the Trust and its affiliated entities and for certain related advisory accounts and retirement accounts (such as IRAs). The Fund may also change or waive policies concerning minimum investment amounts at any time.
Exchanging Shares . If you request the exchange of the total value of your account from one fund to another, we will reinvest any declared but unpaid income dividends and capital gain distributions in the new fund at its net asset value. Backup withholding and information reporting
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may apply. Information regarding the possible tax consequences of an exchange appears in the tax section in this SAI.
If a substantial number of shareholders sell their shares of the Fund under the exchange privilege, within a short period, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities that it would otherwise have held, thus incurring additional transactional costs. Increased use of the exchange privilege may also result in periodic large inflows of money. If this occurs, it is the Funds general policy to initially invest in short-term, interest-bearing money market instruments.
However, if the Adviser believes that attractive investment opportunities (consistent with the Funds investment objective and policies) exist immediately, then it will invest such money in portfolio securities in as orderly a manner as is possible.
The proceeds from the sale of shares of the Fund may not be available until the third business day following the sale. The fund you are seeking to exchange into may also delay issuing shares until that third business day. The sale of Fund shares to complete an exchange will be effected at net asset value of the Fund next computed after your request for exchange is received in proper form.
Eligible Benefit Plans . An eligible benefit plan is an arrangement available to the employees of an employer (or two or more affiliated employers) having not less than 10 employees at the plans inception, or such an employer on behalf of employees of a trust or plan for such employees, their spouses and their children under the age of 21 or a trust or plan for such employees, which provides for purchases through periodic payroll deductions or otherwise. There must be at least 5 initial participants with accounts investing or invested in Fund shares and/or certain other funds.
The initial purchase by the eligible benefit plan and prior purchases by or for the benefit of the initial participants of the plan must aggregate not less than $2,500 and subsequent purchases must be at least $50 per account and must aggregate at least $250. Purchases by the eligible benefit plan must be made pursuant to a single order paid for by a single check or federal funds wire and may not be made more often than monthly. A separate account will be established for each employee, spouse or child for which purchases are made. The requirements for initiating or continuing purchases pursuant to an eligible benefit plan may be modified and the offering to such plans may be terminated at any time without prior notice.
Selling Shares . You may sell your shares by giving instructions to the Transfer Agent by mail or by telephone. The Fund will use reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine and, if the procedures are followed, will not be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone transactions.
The Funds procedure is to redeem shares at the NAV next determined after the Transfer Agent receives the redemption request in proper order, less any applicable deferred sales charge on purchases held for less than one year and for which no sales charge was paid at the time of purchase. Payment will be made promptly, but no later than the seventh day following the receipt
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of the redemption request in proper order. The Board may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment during any period when (a) trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by the SEC or such exchange is closed for other than weekends and holidays, (b) the SEC has by order permitted such suspension, or (c) an emergency, as defined by rules of the SEC, exists duringwhich time the sale of Fund shares or valuation of securities held by the Fund are not reasonably practicable.
ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Adviser or the Distributor and their affiliates may, out of their own resources and without additional cost to the Fund or its shareholders, pay a 1% solicitation fee to securities dealers or other financial intermediaries (collectively, a Financial Intermediary) on each customer purchase solicited by the Financial Intermediary in excess of $1 million. These payments may be in addition to payments made by the Fund to the Financial Intermediary under the Funds Rule 12b-1 Plan. For more information regarding the Funds Rule 12b-1 Plan, please see Distribution - Plan of Distribution.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
As described briefly in the applicable prospectus, the Fund offers the following shareholder services:
Regular Account . The regular account allows for voluntary investments to be made at any time. Available to individuals, custodians, corporations, trusts, estates, corporate retirement plans and others, investors are free to make additions and withdrawals to or from their account as often as they wish. Simply use the account application provided with the prospectus to open your account.
Telephone Transactions . A shareholder may redeem shares or transfer into another fund by telephone if this service is requested at the time the shareholder completes the initial account application. If it is not elected at that time, it may be elected at a later date by making a request in writing to the Transfer Agent and having the signature on the request guaranteed. The Fund employs reasonable procedures designed to confirm the authenticity of instructions communicated by telephone and, if it does not, it may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. As a result of this policy, a shareholder authorizing telephone redemption or transfer bears the risk of loss which may result from unauthorized or fraudulent transactions which the Fund believes to be genuine. When requesting a telephone redemption or transfer, the shareholder will be asked to respond to certain questions designed to confirm he shareholders identity as the shareholder of record. Cooperation with these procedures helps to protect the account and the Fund from unauthorized transactions.
Automatic Investment Plan . Any shareholder may utilize this feature, which provides for automatic monthly investments into your account. Upon your request, the Transfer Agent will withdraw a fixed amount each month from a checking or savings account for investment into the Fund. This does not require a commitmentfor a fixed period of time. A shareholder may
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change the monthly investment, skip a month or discontinue the Automatic Investment Plan as desired by notifying the Transfer Agent at (800) 628-4077.
Retirement Plans . Fund shares are available for purchase in connection with the following tax-deferred prototype retirement plans:
1. Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs) . IRAs are available for use by individuals with compensation for services rendered who wish to use shares of the Fund as the funding medium for individual retirement savings. IRAs include traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs and Rollover IRAs.
2. Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEPs) . SEPs are a form of retirement plan for sole proprietors, partnerships and corporations.
For information about eligibility requirements and other matters concerning these plans and to obtain the necessary forms to participate in these plans, please call the Trust at (800) 673-0550. Each plans custodian charges nominal fees in connection with plan establishment and maintenance. These fees are detailed in the plan documents. You may wish to consult with your attorney or other tax adviser for specific advice concerning your tax status and plans.
Exchange Privilege . Shareholders may exchange their shares for shares of any other series of the Trust, provided the shares of the Fund the shareholder is exchanging into are registered for sale in the shareholders state of residence. Each account must meet the minimum investment requirements. Also, to make an exchange, an exchange order must comply with the requirements for a redemption or repurchase order and must specify the value or the number of shares to be exchanged. Your exchange will take effect as of the next determination of the Funds NAV per share (usually at the close of business on the same day). The Transfer Agent will charge your account a $10 service fee each time you make such an exchange. The Trust reserves the right to limit the number of exchangesor to otherwise prohibit or restrict shareholders from making exchanges at any time, without notice, should the Trust determine that it would be in the best interest of its shareholders to do so. For tax purposes, an exchange constitutes the sale of the shares of the fund from which you are exchanging and the purchase of shares of the fund into which you are exchanging. Consequently, the sale may involve either a capital gain or loss to the shareholder for federalincome tax purposes. The exchange privilege is available only in states where it is legally permissible to do so.
TAXES
The following discussion is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and its shareholders. The discussion reflects applicable federal income tax laws of the U.S. as of the date of this SAI, which tax laws may be changed or subject to new interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS), possibly with retroactive effect. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. income, estate or gift tax, or foreign, state or local tax concerns affecting the Fund and its shareholders (including shareholders owning large positions in the Fund). The discussion set forth herein
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does not constitute tax advice. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine the tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.
In addition, no attempt is made to address tax concerns applicable to an investor with a special tax status such as a financial institution, real estate investment trust, insurance company, regulated investment company (RIC), individual retirement account, other tax-exempt entity, dealer in securities or non-U.S. investor. Furthermore, this discussion does not reflect possible application of the alternative minimum tax (AMT). Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes shares of the Fund are held by U.S. shareholders and that such shares are held as capital assets.
A U.S. shareholder is a beneficial owner of shares of the Fund that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
| a citizen or individual resident of the United States (including certain former citizens and former long-term residents); | ||
| a corporation or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia; | ||
| an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or | ||
| a trust with respect to which a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. shareholders have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or the trust has made a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. |
A Non-U.S. shareholder is a beneficial owner of shares of the Fund that is an individual, corporation, trust or estate and is not a U.S. shareholder. If a partnership (including any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares of the Fund, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally depends upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A prospective shareholder who is a partner of a partnership holding the Fund shares should consult its tax advisors with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of its Fund shares.
Taxation as a RIC. The Fund intends to qualify and remain qualified as a RIC under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Internal Revenue Code). The Fund will qualify as a RIC if, among other things, it meets the source-of-income and the asset-diversification requirements. With respect to the source-of-income requirement, the Fund must derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income (including tax-exempt interest) from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such shares, securities or currencies and (ii) net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. A qualified publicly traded partnership is
48
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.
The Fund intends to invest in ETFs that are taxable as RICs under the Code. Accordingly, the income the Fund receives from such ETFs should be qualifying income for purposes of the Fund satisfying the 90% Test described above. However, the Fund may also invest in one or more ETFs that are not taxable as RICs under the Code and that may generate non-qualifying income for purposes of satisfying the 90% Test. The Fund anticipates monitoring its investments in such ETFs so as to keep the Funds non-qualifying income within acceptable limits of the 90% Test, however, it is possible that such non-qualifying income will be more than anticipated which could cause the Fund to inadvertently fail the 90% Test thereby causing the Fund to fail to qualify as a RIC. In such a case, the Fund would be subject to the rules described below.
If a RIC fails this 90% source-of-income test as long as such failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect it is no longer subject to a 35%. Instead, the amount of the penalty for non-compliance is the amount by which the non-qualifying income exceeds one-ninth of the qualifying gross income.
With respect to the asset-diversification requirement, the Fund must diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year (i) at least 50% of the value of the Funds total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities, if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of the Funds total assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Funds total assets is invested in the securities other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs of (a) one issuer, (b) two or more issuers that are controlled by the Fund and that are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (c) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.
If a RIC fails this asset-diversification test, such RIC, in addition to other cure provisions previously permitted, has a 6-month period to correct any failure without incurring a penalty if such failure is de minimis, meaning that the failure does not exceed the lesser of 1% of the RICs assets, or $10 million. Such cure right is similar to that previously and currently permitted for a REIT.
Similarly, if a RIC fails this asset-diversification test and the failure is not de minimis, a RIC can cure failure if: (a) the RIC files with the Treasury Department a description of each asset that causes the RIC to fail the diversification tests; (b) the failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect; and (c) the failure is cured within six months (or such other period
49
specified by the Treasury). In such cases, a tax is imposed on the RIC equal to the greater of: (a) $50,000 or (b) an amount determined by multiplying the highest rate of tax (currently 35%) by the amount of net income generated during the period of diversification test failure by the assets that caused the RIC to fail the diversification test.
If the Fund qualifies as a RIC and distributes to its shareholders, for each taxable year, at least 90% of the sum of (i) its investment company taxable income as that term is defined in the Internal Revenue Code (which includes, among other things, dividends, taxable interest, the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses and certain net foreign exchange gains as reduced by certain deductible expenses) without regard to the deduction for dividends paid, and (ii) the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest, if any, over certain deductions attributable to such interest that are otherwise disallowed, the Fund will be relieved of U.S. federal income tax on any income of the Fund, including long-term capital gains, distributed to shareholders. However, any ordinary income or capital gain retained by the Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate federal income tax rates (currently at a maximum rate of 35%). The Fund intends to distribute at least annually substantially all of its investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt interest, and net capital gain.
The Fund will generally be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax on the portion of its undistributed ordinary income with respect to each calendar year and undistributed capital gains if it fails to meet certain distribution requirements with respect to the one-year period ending on October 31 in that calendar year. To avoid the 4% federal excise tax, the required minimum distribution is generally equal to the sum of (i) 98% of the Funds ordinary income (computed on a calendar year basis), (ii) 98.2% of the Funds capital gain net income (generally computed for the one-year period ending on October 31) and (iii) any income realized, but not distributed, and on which we paid no federal income tax in preceding years. The Fund generally intends to make distributions in a timely manner in an amount at least equal to the required minimum distribution and therefore, under normal market conditions, does not expect to be subject to this excise tax.
The Fund may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which it does not receive cash. For example, if the Fund holds debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with payment in kind interest or, in certain cases, with increasing interest rates or that are issued with warrants), the Fund must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by the Fund in the same taxable year. Because any original issue discount accrued will be included in the Funds investment company taxable income (discussed above) for the year of accrual, the Fund may be required to make a distribution to its shareholders to satisfy the distribution requirement, even though it will not have received an amount of cash that corresponds with the income earned.
To the extent that the Fund has capital loss carryforwards from prior tax years, those carryforwards will reduce the net capital gains that can support the Funds distribution of Capital
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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.
Except as set forth in Failure to Qualify as a RIC, the remainder of this discussion assumes that the Fund will qualify as a RIC for each taxable year.
Failure to Qualify as a RIC. If the Fund is unable to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement or otherwise fails to qualify as a RIC in any year, it will be subject to corporate level income tax on all of its income and gain, regardless of whether or not such income was distributed. Distributions to the Funds shareholders of such income and gain will not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income. In such event, the Funds distributions, to the extent derived from the Funds current or accumulated earnings and profits, would constitute ordinary dividends, which would generally be eligible for the dividends received deduction available to corporate shareholders, and non-corporate shareholders would generally be able to treat such distributions as qualified dividend income eligible for reduced rates of U.S. federal income taxation in taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2013, provided in each case that certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied.
Distributions in excess of the Funds current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the shareholders tax basis in their Fund shares, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain. To qualify as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, the Fund would be required to satisfy the source-of-income, the asset diversification, and the annual distribution requirements for that year and dispose of any earnings and profits from any year in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC. Subject to a limited exception applicable to RICs that qualified as such under the Internal Revenue Code for at least one year prior to disqualification and that requalify as a RIC no later than the second year following the nonqualifying year, the Fund would be subject to tax on any unrealized built-in gains in the assets held by it during the period in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC that are recognized within the subsequent 10 years, unless the Fund made a special election to pay corporate-level tax on such built-in gain at the time of its requalification as a RIC.
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Taxation for U.S. Shareholders. Distributions paid to U.S. shareholders by the Fund from its investment company taxable income (which is, generally, the Funds ordinary income plus net realized short-term capital gains in excess of net realized long-term capital losses) are generally taxable to U.S. shareholders as ordinary income to the extent of the Funds earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Such distributions (if designated by the Fund) may qualify (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders under Section 243 of the Internal Revenue Code to the extent that the Funds income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations, excluding distributions from tax-exempt organizations, exempt farmers cooperatives or real estate investment trusts or (ii) in the case of individual shareholders, as qualified dividend income eligible to be taxed at reduced rates under Section 1(h)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code (which provides for a maximum 20% rate) to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income, and provided in each case certain holding period and other requirements are met. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and qualified foreign corporations ( e.g. , generally, foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a qualified comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States, or the stock with respect to which such dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States). A qualified foreign corporation generally excludes any foreign corporation, which for the taxable year of the corporation in which the dividend was paid, or the preceding taxable year, is a passive foreign investment company. Distributions made to a U.S. shareholder from an excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses (capital gain dividends), including capital gain dividends credited to such shareholder but retained by the Fund, are taxable to such shareholder as long-term capital gain if they have been properly designated by the Fund, regardless of the length of time such shareholder owned the shares of the Fund. The maximum tax rate on capital gain dividends received by individuals is generally 20%. Distributions in excess of the Funds earnings and profits will be treated by the U.S. shareholder, first, as a tax-free return of capital, which is applied against and will reduce the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. shareholders shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gain to the U.S. shareholder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset). The Fund is not required to provide written notice designating the amount of any qualified dividend income or capital gain dividends and other distributions. The Forms 1099 will instead serve this notice purpose.
As a RIC, the Fund will be subject to the AMT, but any items that are treated differently for AMT purposes must be apportioned between the Fund and the shareholders and this may affect the shareholders AMT liabilities. The Fund intends in general to apportion these items in the same proportion that dividends paid to each shareholder bear to the Funds taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction).
For purpose of determining (i) whether the annual distribution requirement is satisfied for any year and (ii) the amount of capital gain dividends paid for that year, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, elect to treat a dividend that is paid during the following taxable year as if it had been paid during the taxable year in question. If the Fund makes such an election, the U.S. shareholder will still be treated as receiving the dividend in the taxable year in which the distribution is made. However, any dividend declared by the Fund in October, November or December of any calendar year, payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a
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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.
The Fund intends to distribute all realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. If, however, the Fund were to retain any net capital gain, the Fund may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to shareholders who, if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the federal income tax paid by the Fund on the undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. If such an event occurs, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, generally be increased by the difference between the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in the shareholders gross income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholders.
Sales and other dispositions of the shares of the Fund generally are taxable events. U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax adviser with reference to their individual circumstances to determine whether any particular transaction in the shares of the Fund is properly treated as a sale or exchange for federal income tax purposes, as the following discussion assumes, and the tax treatment of any gains or losses recognized in such transactions. The sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund will generally result in capital gain or loss to the shareholder equal to the difference between the amount realized and his adjusted tax basis in the shares sold or exchanged, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year at the time of sale. Any loss upon the sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain dividend) by such shareholder with respect to such shares. A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund generally will be disallowed if other substantially identical shares are acquired within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed. In such case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gain of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary income of corporations. For non-corporate taxpayers, short-term capital gain will currently be taxed at the rate applicable to ordinary income, while long-term capital gain generally will be taxed at a maximum rate of 20%. Capital losses are subject to certain limitations.
Federal law requires that mutual fund companies report their shareholders cost basis, gain/loss, and holding period to the Internal Revenue Service on the Funds shareholders Consolidated Form 1099s when covered securities are sold. Covered securities are any regulated investment company and/or dividend reinvestment plan shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012.
The Fund has chosen average cost as the standing (default) tax lot identification method for all shareholders. A tax lot identification method is the way the Fund will determine which
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specific shares are deemed to be sold when there are multiple purchases on different dates at differing net asset values, and the entire position is not sold at one time. The Fund has chosen average cost as its standing (default) tax lot identification method for all shareholders. 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 Internal Revenue Service regulations or consult your tax advisor with regard to your personal circumstances
For those securities defined as "covered" under current Internal Revenue Service cost basis tax reporting regulations, the Fund is responsible for maintaining accurate cost basis and tax lot information for tax reporting purposes. The Fund is not responsible for the reliability or accuracy of the information for those securities that are not covered. The Fund and its service providers do not provide tax advice. You should consult independent sources, which may include a tax professional, with respect to any decisions you may make with respect to choosing a tax lot identification method.
For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2013, 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, Market Discount and Commodity-Linked Notes. Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance (and zero-coupon debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as debt obligations that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount (OID) is treated as interest income and is included in the Funds taxable income (and required to be distributed by the Fund) over the term of the debt obligation, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security.
Some debt obligations (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. Very generally, market discount is the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation (or in the case of an obligations issued with OID, its revised issue price) over the purchase price of such obligation. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt obligation having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the accrued market discount on such debt obligation. Alternatively, the Fund may elect to accrue market discount currently, in which case the Fund will be required to include the accrued market discount in the Funds income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the
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debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The rate at which the market discount accrues, and thus is included in the Funds income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects. In the case of higher-risk securities, the amount of market discount may be unclear. See Higher-Risk Securities.
Some debt obligations (with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as having acquisition discount (very generally, the excess of the stated redemption price over the purchase price), or OID in the case of certain types of debt obligations. The Fund will be required to include the acquisition discount, or OID, in income (as ordinary income) over the term of the debt obligation, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt obligations having acquisition discount, or OID, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.
In addition, payment-in-kind securities will, and commodity-linked notes may, give rise to income that is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.
If the Fund holds the foregoing kinds of securities, it may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary (including when it is not advantageous to do so). The Fund may realize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution than they would in the absence of such transactions.
Higher-Risk Securities. To the extent such investments are permissible for the Fund, the Fund may invest in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated, including debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest or who are in default. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income. In limited circumstances, it may also not be clear whether the Fund should recognize market discount on a debt obligation, and if so, what amount of market discount the Fund should recognize. These and other related issues will be addressed by the Fund when, as and if it invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a regulated investment company and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.
Issuer Deductibility of Interest. A portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high yield discount obligations owned by the Fund may not be deductible to (and thus, may affect the cash flow of) the issuer. If a portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high yield
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discount obligations is not deductible, that portion will be treated as a dividend for purposes of the corporate dividends-received deduction. In such cases, if the issuer of the high yield discount obligations is a domestic corporation, dividend payments by the Fund may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction to the extent of the deemed dividend portion of such accrued interest.
Interest paid on debt obligations owned by the Fund, if any, that are considered for U.S. tax purposes to be payable in the equity of the issuer or a related party will not be deductible to the issuer, possibly affecting the cash flow of the issuer.
Tax-Exempt Shareholders. A tax-exempt shareholder could recognize UBTI by virtue of its investment in the Fund if shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 514(b). Furthermore, a tax-exempt shareholder may recognize UBTI if the Fund recognizes excess inclusion income derived from direct or indirect investments in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs if the amount of such income recognized by the Fund exceeds the Funds investment company taxable income (after taking into account deductions for dividends paid by the Fund).
In addition, special tax consequences apply to charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) that invest in regulated investment companies that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs. Under legislation enacted in December 2006, a CRT (as defined in section 664 of the Internal Revenue Code) that realizes any UBTI for a taxable year, must pay an excise tax annually of an amount equal to such UBTI. Under IRS guidance issued in October 2006, a CRT will not recognize UBTI solely as a result of investing in the Fund that recognizes excess inclusion income. Rather, if at any time during any taxable year a CRT (or one of certain other tax-exempt shareholders, such as the United States, a state or political subdivision, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, and certain energy cooperatives) is a record holder of a share in the Fund that recognizes excess inclusion income, then the regulated investment company will be subject to a tax on that portion of its excess inclusion income for the taxable year that is allocable to such shareholders, at the highest federal corporate income tax rate. The extent to which this IRS guidance remains applicable in light of the December 2006 legislation is unclear. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the Fund may elect to specially allocate any such tax to the applicable CRT, or other shareholder, and thus reduce such shareholders distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholders interest in the Fund. The Fund has not yet determined whether such an election will be made. CRTs and other tax-exempt investors are urged to consult their tax advisers concerning the consequences of investing in the Fund.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies. A passive foreign investment company (PFIC) is any foreign corporation: (i) 75% or more of the gross income of which for the taxable year is passive income, or (ii) the average percentage of the assets of which (generally by value, but by adjusted tax basis in certain cases) that produce or are held for the production of passive income is at least 50%. Generally, passive income for this purpose means dividends, interest (including income equivalent to interest), royalties, rents, annuities, the excess of gains
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over losses from certain property transactions and commodities transactions, and foreign currency gains. Passive income for this purpose does not include rents and royalties received by the foreign corporation from active business and certain income received from related persons.
Equity investments by the Fund in certain PFICs could potentially subject the Fund to a U.S. federal income tax or other charge (including interest charges) on the distributions received from the PFIC or on proceeds received from the disposition of shares in the PFIC. This tax cannot be eliminated by making distributions to Fund shareholders. However, the Fund may elect to avoid the imposition of that tax. For example, if the Fund is in a position to and elects to treat a PFIC as a qualified electing fund ( i.e. , make a QEF election), the Fund will be required to include its share of the PFIC s income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives any distribution from the PFIC. Alternatively, the Fund may make an election to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in its PFIC holdings to the market as though it had sold and repurchased its holdings in those PFICs on the last day of the Funds taxable year. Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income and loss. The QEF and mark-to-market elections may accelerate the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and increase the amount required to be distributed by the Fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections therefore may require the Fund to liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirement, which also may accelerate the recognition of gain and affect the Funds total return. Dividends paid by PFICs will not be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income.
Because it is not always possible to identify a foreign corporation as a PFIC, the Fund may incur the tax and interest charges described above in some instances.
Foreign Currency Transactions. The Funds transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt obligations and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned. Any such net gains could require a larger dividend toward the end of the calendar year. Any such net losses will generally reduce and potentially require the recharacterization of prior ordinary income distributions. Such ordinary income treatment may accelerate Fund distributions to shareholders and increase the distributions taxed to shareholders as ordinary income. Any net ordinary losses so created cannot be carried forward by the Fund to offset income or gains earned in subsequent taxable years.
Master Limited Partnerships To qualify for master limited partner (MLP) status, a partnership must generate at least 90% of its income from what the IRS deems "qualifying" sources, which include all manner of activities related to the production, processing or transportation of oil, natural gas and coal. MLPs, as partnership, pay no corporate tax, and the IRS deems much of the distributions paid out as a return of capital, and taxes on such distributions are deferred until the Fund sells its position therein. As partnerships, MLPs pass through the majority of their income to investors in the form of regular quarterly distributions. You as owner of the Fund are responsible for paying tax on your share of distributions received. In addition, the regular quarterly cash payments MLPs pay out are known as distributions rather
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than dividends. With respect to each MLP in which the Fund invests, MLP investors, and therefore you as owner of the Fund, may be subject to the state tax of each state in which the MLP has operations or does business. If a MLP is held in a tax-sheltered account, such as an IRA, the portion of the distributions designated as "ordinary income" may be considered unrelated business taxable income (UBTI), and subject to tax. However, UBTI is usually a small percentage of total distributions and it will not be taxed as long as the amount of this income and all other sources of UBTI does not exceed $1,000 in any year.
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 ETFs in which the Fund invests may invest in foreign securities. Dividends and interest received by an ETFs 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 ETF 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 ETFs total assets at the close of its respective taxable year consists of stocks or securities of foreign corporations, then the ETF 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 shareholdersto 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
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dividend is attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign person is the issuer or is a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (y) that is within a foreign country that has inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (z) to the extent the dividend is attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign person and the foreign person is a controlled foreign corporation) from U.S.-source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, to the extent such distributions are properly reported as such by the Fund in a written notice to shareholders (interest-related dividends), and (ii) with respect to distributions (other than (a) distributions to an individual foreign person who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (b) distributions subject to special rules regarding the disposition of U.S. real property interests as described below) of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses to the extent such distributions are properly reported by the regulated investment company (short-term capital gain dividends). If the Fund invests in an underlying fund that pays such distributions to the Fund, such distributions retain their character as not subject to withholding if properly reported when paid by the Fund to foreign persons.
The Fund is permitted to report such part of its dividends as interest-related or short-term capital gain dividends as are eligible, but is not required to do so. 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).
Special rules would apply if the Fund were either a U.S. real property holding corporation (USRPHC) or would be a USRPHC but for the operation of certain exceptions to the definition thereof. Very generally, a USRPHC is a domestic corporation that holds USRPIs the fair market value of which equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market values of the corporations USPRIs, interests in real property located outside the United States, and other assets. USRPIs are generally defined as any interest in U.S. real property and any interest (other than solely as a creditor) in a USRPHC or former USRPHC.
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If the Fund were a USRPHC or would be a USRPHC but for the exceptions referred to above, any distributions by the Fund to a foreign shareholder (including, in certain cases, distributions made by the Fund in redemption of its shares) attributable to gains realized by the Fund on the disposition of USRPIs or to distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier regulated investment company or REIT that the Fund is required to treat as USRPI gain in its hands generally would be subject to U.S. tax withholding. In addition, such distributions could result in the foreign shareholder being required to file a U.S. tax return and pay tax on the distributions at regular U.S. federal income tax rates. The consequences to a foreign shareholder, including the rate of such withholding and character of such distributions ( e.g ., as ordinary income or USRPI gain), would vary depending upon the extent of the foreign shareholders current and past ownership of the Fund. On and after January 1, 2012, this look-through USRPI treatment for distributions by the Fund, if it were either a USRPHC or would be a USRPHC but for the operation of the exceptions referred to above, to foreign shareholders applies only to those distributions that, in turn, are attributable to distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier REIT, unless Congress enacts legislation providing otherwise.
In addition, if the Fund were a USRPHC or former USRPHC, it could be required to withhold U.S. tax on the proceeds of a share redemption by a greater-than-5% foreign shareholder, in which case such foreign shareholder generally would also be required to file U.S. tax returns and pay any additional taxes due in connection with the redemption.
Whether or not the Fund is characterized as a USRPHC will depend upon the nature and mix of the Funds assets. The Fund does not expect to be a USRPHC. Foreign shareholders should consult their tax advisors concerning the application of these rules to their investment in the Fund.
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-US status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN or substitute form). Foreign shareholders in the Fund should consult their tax advisers in this regard.
A beneficial holder of Fund shares who is a foreign shareholder may be subject to state and local tax and to the U.S. federal estate tax in addition to the federal tax on income referred to
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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 currently 28%.
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.
Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations. Under U.S. Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the Funds shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all regulated investment companies. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayers treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
Shareholder Reporting Obligations With Respect to Foreign Financial Assets. Certain individuals (and, if provided in future guidance, certain domestic entities) must disclose annually their interests in specified foreign financial assets on IRS Form 8938, which must be attached to their U.S. federal income tax returns for taxable years beginning after March 18, 2010. The IRS has not yet released a copy of the Form 8938 and has suspended the requirement to attach Form 8938 for any taxable year for which an income tax return is filed before the release of Form 8938. Following Form 8938s release, individuals will be required to attach to their next income tax return required to be filed with the IRS a Form 8938 for each taxable year for which the filing of Form 8938 was suspended. Until the IRS provides more details regarding this reporting requirement, including in Form 8938 itself and related Treasury regulations, it remains unclear under what circumstances, if any, a shareholders (indirect) interest in the Funds specified foreign financial assets, if any, will be required to be reported on this Form 8938.
Other Reporting and Withholding Requirements. Rules enacted in March 2010 require the reporting to the IRS of direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts and foreign entities by U.S. persons. Failure to provide this required information can result in a 30% withholding tax on certain payments (withholdable payments) made after December 31, 2013. 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
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proceeds from the sale or other disposal of property that can produce U.S.-source dividends or interest made on or after January 1, 2015.
The IRS has issued only very preliminary guidance with respect to these new rules; their scope remains unclear and potentially subject to material change. Very generally, it is possible that distributions made by the Fund after the dates noted above (or such later dates as may be provided in future guidance) to a shareholder, including a distribution in redemption of shares and a distribution of income or gains otherwise exempt from withholding under the rules applicable to non-U.S. shareholders described above ( e.g. , Capital Gain Dividends, Short-Term Capital Gain Dividends and interest-related dividends, as described above) will be subject to the new 30% withholding requirement. Payments to a foreign shareholder that is a foreign financial institution will generally be subject to withholding, unless such shareholder enters into a timely agreement with the IRS. Payments to shareholders that are U.S. persons or foreign individuals will generally not be subject to withholding, so long as such shareholders provide the Fund with such certifications or other documentation, including, to the extent required, with regard to such shareholders direct and indirect owners, as the Fund requires to comply with the new rules. Persons investing in the Fund through an intermediary should contact their intermediary regarding the application of the new reporting and withholding regime to their investments in the Fund.
Shareholders are urged to consult a tax advisor regarding this new reporting and withholding regime, in light of their particular circumstances.
Shares Purchased through Tax-Qualified Plans. Special tax rules apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the suitability of shares of the Fund as an investment through such plans, and the precise effect of an investment on their particular tax situation.
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury regulations in effect as they directly govern the taxation of the Fund and its shareholders. These provisions are subject to change by legislative and administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal income, estate or gift taxes, or foreign, state, local taxes or other taxes.
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES
Brokerage Transactions . Generally, equity securities are bought and sold through brokerage transactions for which commissions are payable. Purchases from underwriters will include the underwriting commission or concession, and purchases from dealers serving as market makers will include a dealers mark-up or reflect a dealers mark-down. The purchase price for securities bought from dealers serving as market makers will similarly include the dealers mark up or reflect a dealers mark down. When the Fund executes transactions in the
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over-the-counter market, it will generally deal with primary market makers unless prices that are more favorable are otherwise obtainable.
In selecting brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions, the Adviser may consider research and brokerage services furnished to the Adviser or its affiliates. The Adviser may not consider sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in the selection of brokers and dealers, but may place portfolio transactions with brokers and dealers that promote or sell the Funds shares so long as such transactions are done in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Trustees that are designed to ensure that the selection is based on the quality of execution and not on sales efforts. When placing portfolio transactions with a broker or dealer, the Adviser may aggregate securities to be sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for other advisory accounts managed by the Adviser. In aggregating such securities, the Adviser will average the transaction as to price and will allocate available investments in a manner that the Adviser believes to be fair and reasonable to the Fund and such other advisory accounts. An aggregated order will generally be allocated on a pro rata basis among all participating accounts, based on the relative dollar values of the participating accounts, or using any other method deemed to be fair to the participating accounts, with any exceptions to such methods involving the Trust being reported to the Trustees.
Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act permits the Adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause the Fund to pay a broker or dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting the transaction in recognition of the value of brokerage and research services provided by the broker or dealer. In addition to agency transactions, the Adviser may receive brokerage and research services in connection with certain riskless principal transactions, in accordance with applicable SEC guidance. Brokerage and research services include: (1) furnishing advice as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; (2) furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, Fund strategy, and the performance of accounts; and (3) effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance, settlement, and custody). In the case of research services, the Adviser believes that access to independent investment research is beneficial to its investment decision-making processes and, therefore, to the Fund.
To the extent that research services may be a factor in selecting brokers, such services may be in written form or through direct contact with individuals and may include information as to particular companies and securities as well as market, economic, or institutional areas and information which assists in the valuation and pricing of investments. Examples of research-oriented services for which the Adviser might utilize Fund commissions include research reports and other information on the economy, industries, sectors, groups of securities, individual companies, statistical information, political developments, technical market action, pricing and appraisal services, credit analysis, risk measurement analysis, performance and other analysis. The Advisermay use research services furnished by brokers in servicing all client accounts and not all services may necessarily be used in connection with the account that paid commissions to the broker providing such services. Information so received by the Adviser will be in addition to
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and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Funds Adviser under the Advisory Agreement. Any advisory or other fees paid to the Adviser are not reduced as a result of the receipt of research services.
In some cases the Adviser may receive a service from a broker that has both a "research" and a "non-research" use. When this occurs, the Adviser makes a good faith allocation, under all the circumstances, between the research and non-research uses of the service. The percentage of the service that is used for research purposes may be paid for with client commissions, while the Adviser will use its own funds to pay for the percentage of the service that is used for non-research purposes. In making this good faith allocation, the Adviser faces a potential conflict of interest, but the Adviser believes that its allocation procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that it appropriately allocates the anticipated use of such services to their research and non-research uses.
For the year ended March 31, 2014, the Predecessor Fund did not pay any commissions on brokerage transactions directed to brokers pursuant to an agreement or understanding whereby the broker provides research or other brokerage services to the Adviser.
From time to time, the Fund may purchase new issues of securities in a fixed price offering. In these situations, the seller may be a member of the selling group that will, in addition to selling securities, provide the Adviser with research services. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has adopted rules expressly permitting these types of arrangements under certain circumstances. Generally, the seller will provide research "credits" in these situations at a rate that is higher than that which is available for typical secondary market transactions. These arrangements may not fall within the safe harbor of Section 28(e).
Brokerage with Fund Affiliates . The Fund may execute brokerage or other agency transactions through registered broker-dealer affiliates of either the Fund, the Adviser or the Distributor for a commission in conformity with the 1940 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the 1934 Act) and rules promulgated by the SEC. These rules further require that commissions paid to the affiliate by the Fund for exchange transactions not exceed usual and customary brokerage commissions. The rules define usual and customary commissions to include amounts which are reasonable and fair compared to the commission, fee or other remuneration received or to be received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold on a securities exchange during a comparable period of time. The Trustees, including those who are not interested persons of the Fund, have adopted procedures for evaluating the reasonableness of commissions paid to affiliates and review these procedures periodically.
For the yearended March 31, 2014 the Fund paid no brokerage commissions on portfolio transactions effected by affiliated brokers.
Securities of Regular Broker-Dealers The Fund is required to identify any securities of its regular brokers and dealers (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) which the Fund may hold at the close of its most recent fiscal year.
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Allocation . When two or more clients managed by the Adviser are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the transactions are allocated in a manner deemed equitable to each client. In some cases this procedure could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security as far as the Fund is concerned. In other cases, however, the ability to participate in volume transactions will be beneficial to the Fund. The Board believes that these advantages, when combined with the other benefits available because of the Advisers organization, outweigh the disadvantages that may exist from this treatment of transactions.
The Predecessor Fund paid the following brokerage commissions:
For the fiscal year ended March 31, | $108,612 | |
2014 | ||
For the fiscal year ended March 31, | $104,069 | |
2013 | ||
For the fiscal year ended March 31, | $ 178,983 | |
2012 |
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES HOLDINGS
The Trust maintains written policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of its portfolio holdings to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio securities is in the best interests of the Funds shareholders. The Board reviews these policies and procedures on an annual basis. Compliance will be periodically assessed by the Board in connection with a report from the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer. In addition, the Board has reviewed and approved the list below of entities that may receive portfolio holdings information prior to and more frequently than the public disclosure of such information (i.e., non-standard disclosure). The Board has also delegated authority to the Trusts President and to senior management at the Trusts administrator, Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc. (CSS), to provide such information in certain circumstances (see below). The Board is notified of, and reviews any requests for nonstandard disclosure approved by the Trusts President and/or senior management at CSS. CSS reports quarterly to the Board regarding the implementation of such policies and procedures.
The Trust is required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) to file its complete portfolio holdings schedule with the SEC on a quarterly basis. This schedule is filed with the Trusts annual and semi-annual reports on Form N-CSR for the second and fourth fiscal quarters and on Form N-Q for the first and third fiscal quarters. The portfolio holdings information provided in these reports is as of the end of the quarter in question. Form N-CSR must be filed with the SEC no later than ten (10) calendar days after the Trust transmits its annual or semi-annual report to its shareholders. Form N-Q must be filed with the SEC no later than sixty (60) calendar days after the end of the applicable quarter.
The Trusts service providers which have contracted to provide services to the Trust and its funds, including, for example, the custodian and the Funds accountants, and which require portfolio holdings information in order to perform those services, may receive non-standard disclosure. Non-standard disclosure of portfolio holdings information may also be provided to a
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third-party when the Trust has a legitimate business purpose for doing so. The Trust has the following ongoing arrangements with certain third parties to provide the Funds full portfolio holdings:
1. | to the Trusts auditors within sixty (60) days after the applicable fiscal period for use in providing audit opinions; | ||
2. | to financial printers within sixty (60) days after the applicable fiscal period for the purpose of preparing Trust regulatory filings; | ||
3. | to rating agencies on a monthly basis for use in developing a rating forthe Fund; and | ||
4. | to the Trusts administrator, custodian, transfer agent and accounting services provider on a daily basis in connection with their providing services to the Fund. |
The Trust currently has no other arrangements for the provision of non-standard disclosure to any party or shareholder.
Other than the non-standard disclosure discussed above, if a third-party requests specific, current information regarding the Funds portfolio holdings, the Trust will refer the third-party to the latest regulatory filing.
Non-standard disclosure of portfolio holdings may only be made pursuant to a written request that has been approved by the Board. The Board has authorized the President of the Trust and senior management at CSS to consider and approve such written requests for non-standard disclosure; provided that, they promptlyreport any such approval to the Board.
All of the arrangements above are subject to the policies and procedures adopted by the Board to ensure such disclosure is for a legitimate business purpose and is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. 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 Funds investment Adviser, 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, and the Board must be afforded the opportunity to determine whether or not to allow such disclosure.
Affiliated persons of the Trust who receive non-standard disclosure are subject to restrictions and limitations on the use and handling of such information pursuant to a Code of Ethics, including requirements to maintain the confidentiality of such information, pre-clear securities trades and report securities transactions activity, as applicable. Affiliated persons of the Trust and third party service providers of the Trust receiving such non-standarddisclosure will be instructed that such information must be kept confidential and that no trading on such information should be allowed.
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Neither the Trust, its investment Adviser, nor any affiliate thereof receives compensation or other consideration in connection with the non-standard disclosure of information about portfolio securities.
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DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on April 9, 2007. The Trusts Agreement and Declaration of Trust authorizes the Board to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest in the Trust and to classify or reclassify any unissued shares into one or more series of shares. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust further authorizes the trustees to classify or reclassify any series of shares into one or moreclasses. The Trusts shares of beneficial interest have no par value.
Shares have no preemptive rights and only such conversion or exchange rights as the Board may grant in its discretion. When issued for payment as described in the applicable prospectus, shares will be fully paid and non-assessable. In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Trust or an individual fund, shareholders of a fund are entitled to receive the assets available for distribution belonging to the particular fund, and a proportionate distribution, based upon the relative asset values of the respective fund, of any general assets of the Trust not belonging to any particular fund which are available for distribution.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held, and a proportionate fractional vote for each fractional share held, and will vote in the aggregate and not by class, except as otherwise expressly required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted on affects only the interests of shareholders of a particular class. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate ofthe Trusts outstanding shares may elect all of the trustees, irrespective of the votes of other shareholders.
Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Trust shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of each fund affected by the matter. A particular fund is deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each fund in the matter aresubstantially identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the fund. Under the Rule, the approval of an investment management agreement or any change in an investment objective, if fundamental, or in a fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a fund only if approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of such fund. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the appointment of independent public accountants, the approval of principal underwriting contracts and the election of trustees may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting without regard to series or class.
The Trust does not presently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. Upon the written request of shareholders owning at least 25% of the Trusts shares, the Trust will call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more trustees and other certain matters. To the extent required by law, the Trust will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.
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The Board has full power and authority, in its sole discretion, and without obtaining shareholder approval, to divide or combine the shares of any class or series thereof into a greater or lesser number, to classify or reclassify any issued shares or any class or series thereof into one or more classes or series of shares, and to take such other action with respect to the Trusts shares as the Board may deem desirable. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust authorizes the trustees, without shareholder approval, to cause the Trust to merge or to consolidate with any corporation, association, trust or other organization in order to change the form of organization and/or domicile of the Trust or to sell or exchange all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust, or any series or class thereof, in dissolution of the Trust, or any series or class thereof. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust permits the termination of the Trust or of any series or class of the Trust by the trustees without shareholder approval. However, the exercise of such authority by the Board without shareholder approval may be subject to certain restrictions or limitations under the 1940 Act.
PROXY VOTING
The Board of Trustees of the Trust has delegated responsibility for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by the Fund to the Adviser. The Adviser will vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy policies and procedures, which are included in Exhibit A to this SAI. The Board of Trustees will periodically review the Funds proxy voting record.
The Trust is required to disclose annually the Funds complete proxy voting record on Form N-PX. The Funds proxy voting record for each year ended June 30, is available, without charge, upon request by calling 1-800-673-0550 or by writing to the Fund at 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, VA 23235. The Funds Form N-PX will also be available on the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
CODES OF ETHICS
The Board of Trustees, on behalf of the Trust, has adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. In addition, the Adviser, Distributor and Administrator have each adopted Codes of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1. These Codes of Ethics apply to the personal investing activities of trustees, officers and certain employees (access persons). Rule 17j-1 and the Codes of Ethics are designed to prevent unlawful practices in connection with the purchase or sale of securities by access persons. Under each Code of Ethics, access persons are permitted to engage in personal securities transactions, but are required to report their personal securities transactions for monitoring purposes. The personnel subject to the Codes are permitted to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. In addition, certain access persons are required to obtain approval before investing in initial public offerings or private placements, or are prohibited from making such investments. Copies of these Codes of Ethics are on file with the SEC, and are available to the public.
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION
You can receive free copies of reports, request other information and discuss your questions about the Fund by contacting the Fund directly at:
World Funds Trust |
8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205 |
Richmond, Virginia 23235 |
Telephone: (800) 673-0550 |
www.theworldfundstrust.com |
The Fund is a continuation of the Predecessor Fund and, therefore, the Funds financial information includes results of the Predecessor Fund. The Predecessor Fund commenced operations on May 3, 2010. Shareholders of the Predecessor Fund approved the reorganization into the Fund on October 10, 2014 and received shares of the Fund on October 31, 2014.
The Annual Report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014 has been filed with the SEC. The financial statements contained in the Annual Report are incorporated by reference into this SAI. The financial statements and financial highlights for the Fund included in the Annual Report have been audited by the Funds independent registered public accounting firm, Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, whose report thereon also appears in such Annual Report and is also incorporated herein by reference. No other parts of the Annual Report are incorporated by reference herein. The financial statements in such Annual Report have been incorporated herein in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
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EXHIBIT A
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
POLICY
STRATEGIC ASSET MANAGEMENT, LTD (the Advisor or SAM) may act as discretionary investment advisor for various clients, including clients governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Advisors authority to vote proxies or act with respect to other shareholder actions is established through the delegation of discretionary authority under our investment advisory contracts. Therefore, unless a client (including a named fiduciary under ERISA) specifically reserves the right, in writing, to vote its own proxies or to take shareholder action with respect to other corporate actions requiring shareholder actions, the Advisor will vote all proxies and act on all other actions in a timely manner as part of its full discretionary authority over client assets in accordance with these Policies and Procedures. Corporate actions may include, for example and without limitation, tender offers or exchanges, bankruptcy proceedings, and class actions.
When voting proxies or acting with respect to corporate actions for clients, the Advisors utmost concern is that all decisions be made solely in the best interest of the client (and for ERISA accounts, plan beneficiaries and participants, in accordance with the letter and spirit of ERISA). The Advisor will act in a prudent and diligent manner intended to enhance the economic value of the assets of the clients account.
PURPOSE OF THE POLICY
These Policies and Procedures have been adopted by the Advisor to enable it to comply with its fiduciary responsibilities to clients and with the requirements of Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, as amended (Advisors Act). These Policies and Procedures also reflect the fiduciary standards and responsibilities set forth by the Department of Labor relating to ERISA accounts.
PROCEDURES
The Chief Compliance Officer is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all proxies that are received by the Advisor in a timely manner are voted in a timely manner and in a manner consistent with the Advisors determination of the clients best interests. No votes will be cast unless a valid notification is received by the Advisor in a timely manner. Although many proxy proposals can be voted in accordance with the Advisors established guidelines (see Guidelines below), the Advisor recognizes that some proposals require special consideration which may dictate that the Advisor makes an exception to the Guidelines.
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The Portfolio Manager is also responsible for ensuring that all corporate action notices or requests which require shareholder action received by the Advisor are addressed in a timely manner and consistent action is taken across all similarly situated client accounts.
PROCEDURES FOR ADDRESSING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Examples of potential conflicts of interest include situations where SAM or an affiliate, or personnel of either entity:
o | Manages a pension plan or other assets of a company whose management is soliciting proxies; | |
o | Has a material business relationship with a proponent of a proxy proposal and this business relationship may influence how the proxy vote is cast; | |
o | Has acquired non-public information about an issuer that is soliciting proxies; or | |
o | Has a business or personal relationship with participants in a proxy contest, corporate directors or candidates for directorships. |
Where a proxy proposal raises a material conflict between the Advisors interests and a clients interest, SAM will resolve such a conflict in the manner described below.
The Advisor shall review each proxy to assess the extent, if any, to which there may be a material conflict between the interests of the applicable client on the one hand and SAM and its affiliates, directors, officers, employees (and other similar persons) on the other hand (a potential conflict). SAM shall perform this assessment on a proposal-by-proposal basis, and a potential conflict with respect to one proposal in a proxy shall not indicate that a potential conflict exists with respect to any other proposal in such proxy. If the Advisor determines that a potential conflict may exist, it shall resolve any such conflict in a manner that is in the collective best interests of the applicable client and the Advisors other clients (excluding any client that may have a potential conflict).
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Advisor may resolve a potential conflict in any of the following manners:
(i) if the proposal that gives rise to a potential conflict is specifically addressed in these procedures, the Advisor may vote the proxy in accordance with the predetermined policies and guidelines set forth in such procedures; provided that such predetermined policies and guidelines involve little discretion on the part of the Advisor;
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(ii) the Advisor may disclose the potential conflict to the client and obtain the clients consent before voting in the manner approved by the client;
(iii) the Advisor may engage an independent third-party to determine how the proxy should be voted; or
(iv) the Advisor may establish an ethical wall or other informational barriers between the person(s) that are involved in the potential conflict and the person(s) making the voting decision in order to insulate the potential conflict from the decision maker. The Advisor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to determine whether a potential conflict may exist, and a potential conflict shall be deemed to exist if and only if one or more of the Advisors senior account representatives actually knew or reasonably should have known of the potential conflict.
PROCEDURES RELATING TO LIMITATIONS ON PROXY VOTING
The following are certain circumstances where SAM will limit its role in voting proxies:
CLIENT MAINTAINS PROXY VOTING AUTHORITY : Where a client specifies in writing that it will maintain the authority to vote proxies itself or that it has delegated the right to vote proxies to a third party, the Advisor will not vote the securities and will direct the relevant custodian to send the proxy material directly to the client. If any proxy material is received by SAM, it will be forwarded promptly to the client or specified third party.
TERMINATED ACCOUNT : Once a client account has been terminated, the Advisor will not vote any proxies received after the termination date. In such circumstances, the client may specify in writing that proxies should be directed to the client (or a specified third party) for action.
LIMITED VALUE : If the Advisor determines that the value of a clients economic interest or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant, the Advisor may abstain from voting a clients proxies. SAM also will not vote proxies received for securities that are no longer held by the clients account. In addition, the Advisor generally will not vote securities where the economic value of the securities in the client account is less than $500.
UNJUSTIFIABLE COSTS : In certain circumstances, after doing a cost-benefit analysis, the Advisor may abstain from voting where the cost of voting a clients proxy would exceed any anticipated benefits to the client of the proxy proposal.
RECORD KEEPING
In accordance with Rule 204-2 under the Advisors Act, the Advisor will maintain for the time periods set forth in the Rule:
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(i) these proxy voting procedures and policies, and all amendments thereto;
(ii) all proxy statements received regarding client securities (provided however, that the Advisor may rely on the proxy statement filed on EDGAR as its records);
(iii) a record of all votes cast on behalf of clients;
(iv) records of all client requests for proxy voting information and a copy of any written response by the Advisor to any such client request;
(v) any documents prepared by the Advisor that were material to making a decision how to vote or that memorialized the basis for the decision; and
(vi) all records relating to requests made to clients regarding conflicts of interest in voting the proxy.
The Advisor will describe in its Part II of Form ADV (or other brochure fulfilling the requirement of Rule 204-3) its proxy voting policies and procedures and will inform clients how they may obtain information on how the Advisor voted proxies with respect to the clients portfolio securities. Clients may obtain information on how their securities were voted or a copy of the Advisors Policies and Procedures by written request addressed to the Advisor.
GUIDELINES
Each proxy issue will be considered individually. The following guidelines are a partial list to be used in voting proposals contained in the proxy statements, but will not be used as rigid rules.
A. OPPOSE
The Advisor will generally vote against any management or shareholder proposal that potentially has the effect of restricting the ability of shareholders to realize the full potential value of their investment.
Proposals in this category would include:
1. Issues regarding the issuers Board entrenchment and anti-takeover measures such as the following:
a. Proposals to stagger board members terms;
b. Proposals to limit the ability of shareholders to call special meetings;
c. Proposals to require super majority votes;
d. Proposals requesting excessive increases in authorized common or preferred shares where management provides no explanation for the use or need of these additional shares;
e. Proposals regarding fair price provisions; and
f. Proposals regarding poison pill provisions.
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2. Restrictions related to social, political or special interest issues that potentially may have a negative effect on the ability of shareholders to realize the full potential value of their investment, unless specific client guidelines supercede.
B. APPROVE
When voting on common management sponsored initiatives, the Advisor generally votes in support of management. These issues include:
1. Election of directors recommended by management, except if there is a proxy fight.
2. Election of auditors recommended by management, unless seeking to replace if there exists a dispute over policies.
3. Date and place of annual meeting.
4. Limitation on charitable contributions or fees paid to lawyers.
5. Ratification of directors actions on routine matters since previous annual meeting.
6. Confidential voting is most often proposed by shareholders as a means of eliminating undue management pressure on shareholders regarding their vote on proxy issues. The Advisor will generally approve these proposals as shareholders can later divulge their votes to management on a selective basis if a legitimate reason arises.
7. Limiting directors liability and allowing indemnification of directors and/or officers after reviewing the applicable laws and extent of protection requested.
8. Eliminate preemptive rights. Preemptive rights give current shareholders the opportunity to maintain their current percentage ownership through any subsequent equity offerings. These provisions are no longer common in the U.S., and can restrict managements ability to raise new capital. The Advisor generally approves the elimination of preemptive rights, but will oppose the elimination of limited preemptive rights, e.g ., on proposed issues representing more than an acceptable level of total dilution.
9. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
10. Establish 401(k) Plan
C. CASE-BY-CASE
The Advisor will review each issue in this category on a case-by-case basis. These matters include:
1. Director compensation.
2. Eliminate director mandatory retirement policy.
3. Rotate annual meeting location/date.
4. Option and stock grants to management and directors.
5. Proposals to reincorporate into another state.
D. NO INSTRUCTION PROVIDED/DISAGREE WITH INSTRUCTION
If a proxy proposal is not covered by this Proxy Policy, the Portfolio Manager will prepare a brief memo to the Investment Committee that clearly states the proposal, provides a recommendation as to how the proposal should be voted, provides justification for the recommended vote, and sets forth a deadline when a response is needed as to whether the voting recommendation is approved.
If a proxy proposal is covered by this Proxy Policy but the Portfolio Manager believes that SAM should not vote in accordance with these procedures, the Portfolio Manager will prepare a brief memo to the Investment Committee that explains the reason(s) why the Portfolio Manager believes the proxy should not be voted in accordance with these procedures and sets forth a deadline when a response is needed as
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to whether the voting recommendation is approved.
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EXHIBIT B
PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURE
The World Funds 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 Adviser and, collectively, the Advisers), 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 Adviser of each Fund to make decisions on how to cast proxy votes on behalf of such Fund.
The Trust hereby designates the Adviser 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 Adviser 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 Adviser shall perform these duties in accordance with the Advisers proxy voting policy, a copy of which shall be presented to this Board for its review. Each Adviser 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 Adviser may be asked to cast a proxy vote that presents a conflict between the interests of a Funds shareholders, and those of the Adviser or an affiliated person of the Adviser. In such case, the Adviser 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 Adviser has a conflict of interest with respect to the proxy, the Board will vote such proxy in accordance with the Advisers proxy voting policy, to the extent consistent with the
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shareholders best interests, as determined by the Board in its discretion. The Board shall notify the Adviser of its final decision on the matter and the Adviser shall vote in accordance with the Boards decision.
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 Advisers 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 Adviser 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.
78
Exhibit C
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter
World Funds Trust
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Membership
1. | The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of World Funds Trust (the Trust) shall be composed entirely of Independent Trustees. |
Board Nominations and Functions
1. | The Committee shall make nominations for Trustee membership on the Board of Trustees, including the Independent Trustees. The Committee shall evaluate candidates qualifications for Board membership and their independence from the investment advisers to the 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, nor shall Independent Trustee have and affiliations or associations that shall preclude them from voting as an Independent Trustee on matters involving approvals and continuations of Rule 12b-1 Plans, Investment Advisory Agreements and such other standards as the Committee shall deem appropriate. The Committee shall also consider the effect of any relationships beyond those delineated in the 1940 Act that might impair independence, e.g. , business, financial or family relationships with managers or service providers. See Appendix A for Procedures with Respect to Nominees to the Board. | ||
2. | The Committee shall periodically review Board governance procedures and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the full Board of Trustees. | ||
3. | The Committee shall periodically review the composition of the Board of Trustees to determine whether it may be appropriate to add individuals with different backgrounds or skill sets from those already on the Board. | ||
4. | The Committee shall periodically review trustee compensation and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the Independent Trustees as a group. |
Committee Nominations and Functions
1. | The Committee shall make nominations for membership on all committees and shall review committee assignments at least annually. | ||
2. | The Committee shall review, as necessary, the responsibilities of any committees of the Board, whether there is a continuing need for each committee, whether there is a need for additional |
79
committees of the Board, and whether committees should be combined or reorganized. The Committee shall make recommendations for any such action to the full Board. |
Other Powers and Responsibilities
1. | The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities, including authority to retain special counsel and other experts or consultants at the expense of the Trust. | ||
2. | The Committee shall review this Charter at least annually and recommend any changes to the full Board of Trustees. |
Adopted: August 2, 2013
APPENDIX A TO THE NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHARTER
WORLD FUNDS 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 Nominating and Corporate Governance 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 Nominating and Corporate Governance 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 Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has invited management to make such a recommendation. | ||
II. | Shareholder Candidates. The Nominating and Corporate Governance 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 |
80
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 Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in its discretion. Shareholders shall be directed to address any such recommendations in writing to the attention of the Nominating and Corporate Governance 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 Nominating and Corporate Governance 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 Nominating and Corporate Governance 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 Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall conduct personal interviews with those candidates it concludes are the most qualified candidates. |
81
EXHIBIT D
DESCRIPTION OF SHORT-TERM RATINGS
Description of certain short-term ratings assigned by Standard & Poors Ratings Services (S&P) and Moodys Investors Service (Moodys):
S&P
A-1 - A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are given a plus sign (+) designation. This indicates that the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-2 - A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
Moodys
Prime rating system (short-term )
Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by (a) leading market positions in well-established industries, (b).high rates of return on funds employed, (c) conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection, (d) broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation, and (e) well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.
Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
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OTHER INFORMATION |
Item 28. Exhibits |
(a)(1) | Certificate of Trust of World Funds Trust (formerly, Abacus World Funds Trust) (the Registrant) dated April 9, 2007. 1 | |
(a)(2) | Certificate of Amendment dated January 7, 2008 to the Registrants Certificate of Trust dated April 9, 2007. 1 | |
(a)(3) | Registrants Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated April 9, 2007, as revised June 23, 2008. 2 | |
(b) | Registrants By-Laws dated April 9, 2007. 1 | |
(c) | Not applicable. | |
(d)(1) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Union Street Partners, LLC with respect to the Union Street Partners Value Fund. 5, 7 | |
(d)(2) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Union Street Partners, LLC and McGinn Investment Management, Inc. with respect to the Union Street Partners Value Fund. 6, 7 | |
(d)(3) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Perkins Capital Management, Inc. 18 | |
(d)(4) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Virginia Financial Innovation Corp. with respect to the Virginia Equity Fund. 10 | |
(d)(5) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC with respect to the DGHM All-Cap Value Fund. 12 | |
(d)(6) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC with respect to the DGHM V2000 SmallCap Value Fund. 12 | |
(d)(7) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Real Estate Management Services Group, LLC with respect to the REMS International Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund. 14 | |
(d)(8) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and B. Riley Asset Management, LLC with respect to the B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund. 15 | |
(d)(9) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Toreador Research and Trading, LLC with respect to the Toreador International Fund. 20 | |
(d)(10) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Capital Management, LLC with respect to the European Equity Fund. 21 | |
(d)(11) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Commonwealth Capital Management, LLC and Vontobel Asset Management, with respect to the European Equity Fund. 21 | |
(d)(12) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Real Estate Management Services, LLC with respect to the REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund. 22 | |
(d)(13) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Real Estate Management Services, LLC with respect to the REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund. 23 |
(d)(14) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Leadsman Capital, LLC with respect to the Leadsman Capital Strategic Income Fund. 24 | |
(d)(15) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Chicago Partners Investment Group, LLC with respect to the Big 4 OneFund. 25 | |
(d)(16) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Strategic Asset Management, Ltd. with respect to the Strategic Latin America Fund. 26 | |
(e)(1) | Principal Underwriter Agreement dated October 1, 2008 between the Registrant and First Dominion Capital Corp. 3 | |
(e)(2) | Amended and Restated Principal Underwriter Agreement dated October 1, 2008 between the Registrant and First Dominion Capital Corp. 5 | |
(e)(3) | Schedule B to Amended and Restated Principal Underwriter Agreement dated October 1, 2008 between the Registrant and First Dominion Capital Corp, updated August 2, 2013. 12 | |
(e)(4) | Schedule B to Amended and Restated Principal Underwriter Agreement dated October 1, 2008 between the Registrant and First Dominion Capital Corp, updated October 11, 2013. 14 | |
(e)(5) | Schedule B to Amended and Restated Principal Underwriter Agreement dated October 1, 2008 between the Registrant and First Dominion Capital Corp, updated November 26, 2013. 15 | |
(e)(6) | Schedule B to Amended and Restated Principal Underwriter Agreement dated October 1, 2008 between the Registrant and First Dominion Capital Corp, updated August 15, 2014. 20 | |
(e)(7) | Schedule B to Amended and Restated Principal Underwriter Agreement dated October 1, 2008 between the Registrant and First Dominion Capital Corp, updated August 15, 2014. 21 | |
(e)(8) | Schedule B to Amended and Restated Principal Underwriter Agreement dated October 1, 2008 between the Registrant and First Dominion Capital Corp, updated August 15, 2014. 22 | |
(e)(9) | Schedule B to Amended and Restated Principal Underwriter Agreement dated October 1, 2008 between the Registrant and First Dominion Capital Corp, updated August 15, 2014. 23 | |
(e)(10) | Schedule B to Amended and Restated Principal Underwriter Agreement dated October 1, 2008 between the Registrant and First Dominion Capital Corp, updated September 15, 2014. 24 | |
(e)(11) | Schedule B to Amended and Restated Principal Underwriter Agreement dated October 1, 2008 between the Registrant and First Dominion Capital Corp, updated September 19, 2014. 25 | |
(e)(12) | Schedule B to Amended and Restated Principal Underwriter Agreement dated October 1, 2008 between the Registrant and First Dominion Capital Corp, updated October 31, 2014. 26 | |
(f) | Not applicable. | |
(g)(1) | Custody Agreement dated July 30, 2008 between the Registrant and UMB Bank, N.A. 2 | |
(g)(2) | Amended Appendix B and revised Appendix C to the Custody Agreement, dated June 15, |
2008, between the Registrant and UMB Bank, N.A., to include the Union Street Partners Value Fund. 5 | ||
(g)(3) | Amended Appendix B and revised Appendix C to the Custody Agreement, dated June 15, 2008, between the Registrant and UMB Bank, N.A., to include the Perkins Discovery Fund. 15 | |
(g)(4) | Amended Appendix B and revised Appendix C to the Custody Agreement, dated June 15, 2008, between the Registrant and UMB Bank, N.A., to include the Virginia Equity Fund. 10 | |
(g)(5) | Amended Appendix B and revised Appendix C to the Custody Agreement, dated June 15, 2008, between the Registrant and UMB Bank, N.A., to include the B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund. 15 | |
(g)(6) | Form of Custody Agreement dated August xx, 2014 between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman with respect to Toreador International Fund. 20 | |
(g)(7) | Form of Custody Agreement dated August xx, 2014 between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman with respect to European Equity Fund. 21 | |
(g)(8) | Amended Appendix B and revised Appendix C to the Custody Agreement, dated August 15, 2014 between the Registrant and UMB Bank, N.A., to include the REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund. 22 | |
(g)(9) | Amended Appendix B and revised Appendix C to the Custody Agreement, dated August 15, 2014 between the Registrant and UMB Bank, N.A., to include the REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund. 23 | |
(g)(10) | Amended Appendix B and revised Appendix C to the Custody Agreement, dated September 15, 2014 between the Registrant and UMB Bank, N.A., to include the Leadsman Capital Strategic Income Fund. 24 | |
(g)(11) | Amended Appendix B and revised Appendix C to the Custody Agreement, dated September 19, 2014 between the Registrant and UMB Bank, N.A., to include the Big 4 OneFund. 25 | |
(g)(12) | Amended Appendix B and revised Appendix C to the Custody Agreement, dated October 31, 2014 between the Registrant and UMB Bank, N.A., to include the Strategic Latin America Fund. 26 | |
(h)(1) | Administrative Services Agreement dated July 30, 2008 between the Registrant and Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc. 3 | |
(h)(2) | Schedule A to the Administrative Services Agreement. 4 | |
(h)(3) | Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement dated July 30, 2008, as amended and restated between the Registrant and Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc. 4 | |
(h)(4) | Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc. 5 | |
(h)(5) | Schedule A to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc., with respect to the Union Street Partners Value Fund. 5 | |
(h)(6) | Schedule A to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc., with respect to the Perkins Discovery Fund. 8 | |
(h)(7) | Schedule A to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between the |
Registrant and Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc., with respect to the Virginia Equity Fund. 10 | ||
(h)(8) | Schedule A to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc., with respect to the DGHM Funds. 12 | |
(h)(9) | Schedule A to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc., with respect to the REMS International Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund. 14 | |
(h)(10) | Schedule A to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc., with respect to the B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund. 15 | |
(h)(11) | Schedule A to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc., with respect to the Toreador International Fund. 20 | |
(h)(12) | Schedule A to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc., with respect to the European Equity Fund. 21 | |
(h)(13) | Schedule A to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc., with respect to the REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund. 22 | |
(h)(14) | Schedule A to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc., with respect to the REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund. 23 | |
(h)(15) | Schedule A to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc., with respect to the Leadsman Capital Strategic Income Fund. 24 | |
(h)(16) | Schedule A to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc., with respect to the Big 4 OneFund. 25 | |
(h)(17) | Schedule A to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc., with respect to the Strategic Latin America Fund. 26 | |
(h)(18) | Transfer Agency and Services Agreement dated October 1, 2008 between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. 3 | |
(h)(19) | Schedule C to the Transfer Agency and Services Agreement dated October 1, 2008 between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. 4 | |
(h)(20) | Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services. 5 | |
(h)(21) | Schedule C to the Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated October 1, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., with respect to the Union Street Partners Value Fund. 5 | |
(h)(22) | Schedule C to the Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated October 1, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., with respect to the Perkins Discovery Fund. 8 | |
(h)(23) | Schedule C to the Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated October 1, 2008, |
between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., with respect to the Virginia Equity Fund. 10 | ||
(h)(24) | Schedule C to the Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated October 1, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., with respect to the DGHM Funds. 12 | |
(h)(25) | Schedule C to the Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated October 1, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., with respect to the REMS International Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund. 14 | |
(h)(26) | Schedule C to the Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated October 1, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., with respect to the B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund. 15 | |
(h)(27) | Schedule C to the Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated October 1, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., with respect to the Toreador International Fund. 20 | |
(h)(28) | Schedule C to the Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated October 1, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., with respect to the European Equity Fund. 21 | |
(h)(29) | Schedule C to the Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated October 1, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., with respect to the REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund. 22 | |
(h)(30) | Schedule C to the Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated October 1, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., with respect to the REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund. 23 | |
(h)(31) | Schedule C to the Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated October 1, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., with respect to the Leadsman Capital Strategic Income Fund. 24 | |
(h)(32) | Schedule C to the Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated October 1, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., with respect to the Big 4 OneFund. 25 | |
(h)(33) | Schedule C to the Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated October 1, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., with respect to the Strategic Latin America Fund. 26 | |
(h)(34) | Accounting Services Agreement dated July 30, 2008 between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Accounting, Inc. 3 | |
(h)(35) | Schedule A to the Accounting Services Agreement dated July 30, 2008 between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Accounting, Inc. 4 | |
(h)(36) | Amended and Restated Accounting Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Accounting, Inc. 5 | |
(h)(37) | Schedule A to the Accounting Services Agreement, dated August 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Accounting, Inc., with respect to the Union Street Partners Value Fund. 5 | |
(h)(38) | Schedule A to the Accounting Services Agreement, dated August 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Accounting, Inc., with respect to the Perkins Discovery Fund. 8 | |
(h)(39) | Schedule A to the Accounting Services Agreement, dated August 30, 2008, between the |
Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Accounting, Inc., with respect to the Virginia Equity Fund. 10 | ||
(h)(40) | Schedule A to the Accounting Services Agreement, dated August 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Accounting, Inc., with respect to the DGHM Funds. 12 | |
(h)(41) | Schedule A to the Accounting Services Agreement, dated August 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Accounting, Inc., with respect to the B Riley Diversified Equity Fund. 15 | |
(h)(42) | Form of Accounting Services Agreement dated August xx, 2014 between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman with respect to Toreador International Fund. 20 | |
(h)(43) | Form of Accounting Services Agreement dated August xx, 2014 between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman with respect to European Equity. 21 | |
(h)(44) | Schedule A to the Accounting Services Agreement, dated August 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Accounting, Inc., with respect to the REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund. 22 | |
(h)(45) | Schedule A to the Accounting Services Agreement, dated August 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Accounting, Inc., with respect to the REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund. 23 | |
(h)(46) | Schedule A to the Accounting Services Agreement, dated August 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Accounting, Inc., with respect to the Leadsman Capital Strategic Income Fund. 24 | |
(h)(47) | Schedule A to the Accounting Services Agreement, dated August 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Accounting, Inc., with respect to the Big 4 OneFund. 25 | |
(h)(48) | Accounting Services Agreement dated October 31, 2014 between the Registrant and UMB Fund Services, Inc. with respect to Strategic Latin America Fund. 26 | |
(h)(49) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Union Street Partners, LLC with respect to the Class A Shares and Class C Shares of the Union Street Partners Value Fund. 5, 7 | |
(h)(50) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and McGinn Investment Management, Inc. with respect to the Class A Shares of the Union Street Partners Value Fund. 6 | |
(h)(51) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Perkins Capital Management, Inc. with respect to shares of the Perkins Discovery Fund. 18 | |
(h)(52) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Virginia Financial Innovation Corp. with respect to shares of the Virginia Equity Fund. 10 | |
(h)(53) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC with respect to the DGHM Funds. 12 | |
(h)(54) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Real Estate Management Services Group, LLC with respect to the REMS International Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund. 14 | |
(h)(55) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and B. Riley Asset Management, LLC with respect to the B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund. 15 | |
(h)(56) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Toreador Research and Trading, LLC with respect to the Toreador International Fund. 20 |
(h)(57) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Capital Management, LLC with respect to the European Equity Fund. 21 | |
(h)(58) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Real Estate Management Services, LLC with respect to the REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund. 22 | |
(h)(59) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Real Estate Management Services, LLC with respect to the REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund. 23 | |
(h)(60) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Leadsman Capital, LLC with respect to the Leadsman Capital Strategic Income Fund. 24 | |
(h)(61) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Chicago Partners Investment Group, LLC with respect to the Big 4 OneFund. 25 | |
(h)(62) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Strategic Asset Management, Ltd. with respect to the Strategic Latin America Fund. 26 | |
(h)(63) | Shareholder Services Plan dated October 1, 2008. 3 | |
(h)(64) | Revised Schedule A to the Shareholder Services Plan dated October 1, 2008. 4 | |
(h)(65) | Amended Schedule A to the Shareholder Services Plan. 5 | |
(h)(66) | Amended Schedule A to the Shareholder Services Plan with respect to the Virginia Equity Fund. 10 | |
(h)(67) | Shareholder Services Plan, dated August 2, 2013, with respect to DGHM V2000 SmallCap Value Fund Investor Class Shares. 12 | |
(h)(68) | Amended Schedule A to the Shareholder Services Plan with respect to the REMS International Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund. 14 | |
(i)(1) | Opinion and Consent of Legal Counsel for Union Street Partners Value Fund. 9 | |
(i)(2) | Opinion and Consent of Legal Counsel for Perkins Discovery Fund. 11,18 | |
(i)(3) | Opinion and Consent of Legal Counsel for Virginia Equity Fund. 10 | |
(i)(4) | Consent of Legal Counsel for DGHM Funds. 17 | |
(i)(5) | Opinion and Consent of Legal Counsel for REMS International Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund. 14 | |
(i)(6) | Opinion and Consent of Legal Counsel for B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund. 15, 19 | |
(i)(7) | Opinion and Consent of Legal Counsel for Toreador International Fund. 20 | |
(i)(8) | Opinion and Consent of Legal Counsel for European Equity Fund. 21 | |
(i)(9) | Opinion and Consent of Legal Counsel for REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund. 22 | |
(i)(10) | Opinion and Consent of Legal Counsel for REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund. 23 | |
(i)(11) | Opinion and Consent of Legal Counsel for Leadsman Capital Strategic Income Fund. 24 | |
(i)(12) | Opinion and Consent of Legal Counsel for Big 4 OneFund. 25 | |
(i)(13) | Opinion and Consent of Legal Counsel for Strategic Latin America Fund. 26 |
(j)(1) | Consent of independent public accountants for Union Street Partners Value Fund. 9 | |
(j)(2) | Consent of independent public accountants for Perkins Discovery Fund. 18 | |
(j)(3) | Consent of independent public accountants for Virginia Equity Fund. 20 | |
(j)(4) | Consent of independent public accountants for DGHM Funds. 17 | |
(j)(5) | Consent of independent public accountants for REMS InternationalReal Estate Value-Opportunity Fund. 22 | |
(j)(6) | Consent of independent public accountants for B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund. 19 | |
(j)(7) | Consent of independent public accountants for Toreador International Fund. 20 | |
(j)(8) | Consent of independent public accountants for European Equity Fund. 21 | |
(j)(9) | Consent of independent public accountants for REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund. 22 | |
(j)(10) | Consent of independent public accountants for REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund. 23 | |
(j)(11) | Consent of The Spaulding Group with respect to the Leadsman Capital Strategic Income Fund. 24 | |
(j)(12) | Consent of independent public accountants for Strategic Latin America Fund. 26 | |
(k) | Not applicable. | |
(l) | Not applicable. | |
(m)(1) | Plans of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1dated October 1, 2008, with respect to Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class P (Platform) Shares. 3 | |
(m)(2) | Revised Schedule A to the Plans of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 dated October 1, 2008, with respect to Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class P (Platform) Shares. 4 | |
(m)(3) | Revised Schedule A to the Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1. 5, 11 | |
(m)(4) | Amended Schedule A to the Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1. 6 | |
(m)(5) | Amended Schedule A to the Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 with respect to Virginia Equity Fund. 10 | |
(m)(6) | Fixed Compensation Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Perkins Discovery Fund. 18 | |
(m)(7) | Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated August 2, 2013, for the Investor Class Shares and Class C Shares of the DGHM Funds. 12 | |
(m)(8) | Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated November 26, 2013, for the Investor Class Shares of the B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund. 19 | |
(m)(9) | Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated August 15, 2014, for the Investor Class Shares and Class C Shares of the Toreador International Fund. 20 | |
(m)(10) | Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated August 15, 2014, for the Class A Shares and Class C Shares of the European Equity Fund. 21 | |
(m)(11) | Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated August 15, 2014, for the Platform Class |
Shares of the REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund. 22 | ||
(m)(12) | Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated August 15, 2014, for the Platform Class Shares of the REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund. 23 | |
(m)(13) | Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated May 16, 2014, for the Class A Shares, of the B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund. 19 | |
(m)(14) | Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated September 15, 2014, for the Class A Shares and Investor Class Shares of the Leadsman Capital Strategic Income Fund. 24 | |
(m)(15) | Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated September 19, 2014, for the Investor Class Shares of the Big 4 OneFund. 25 | |
(m)(16) | Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated October 31, 2014, for the Class A Shares of the Strategic Latin America Fund. 26 | |
(n)(1) | Rule 18f-3 Multiple Class Plan with respect to Class A Shares and Class C Shares of the Union Street Partners Value Fund. 5 | |
(n)(2) | Rule 18f-3 Multiple Class Plan with respect to Institutional Class Shares, Investor Class Shares and Class C Shares of the DGHM Funds. 12 | |
(n)(3) | Rule 18f-3 Multiple Class Plan with respect to Class A Shares, Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares of the B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund. 19 | |
(n)(4) | Rule 18f-3 Multiple Class Plan with respect to Institutional Class Shares, Class C Shares and Investor Class Shares of the Toreador International Fund. 20 | |
(n)(5) | Rule 18f-3 Multiple Class Plan with respect to Class A Shares and Class C Shares of the European Equity Fund. 21 | |
(n)(6) | Rule 18f-3 Multiple Class Plan with respect to Institutional Class and Platform Class Shares of the REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund. 22 | |
(n)(7) | Rule 18f-3 Multiple Class Plan with respect to Institutional Class Shares and Platform Class Shares of the REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund. 23 | |
(n)(8) | Rule 18f-3 Multiple Class Plan with respect to Investor Class Shares, Institutional Class Shares and Class A Shares of the Leadsman Capital Strategic Income Fund. 24 | |
(n)(9) | Rule 18f-3 Multiple Class Plan with respect to Investor Class Shares and Institutional Class Shares of the Big 4 OneFund. 25 | |
(o) | Reserved. | |
(p)(1) | Combined Code of Ethics for the Registrant, Commonwealth Capital Management, LLC and First Dominion Capital Corp. (the distributor for the Registrant). 4 | |
(p)(2) | Code of Ethics for Union Street Partners, LLC. 5 | |
(p)(3) | Code of Ethics for McGinn Investment Management, Inc. 20 | |
(p)(4) | Code of Ethics for Perkins Capital Management, Inc. 8 | |
(p)(5) | Code of Ethics for Virginia Financial Innovation Corp. 10 | |
(p)(6) | Code of Ethics for Real Estate Management Services Group, LLC. 14 | |
(p)(7) | Code of Ethics for B. Riley Asset Management, LLC. 15 |
(p)(8) | Code of Ethics for Toreador Research and Trading, LLC. 20 | |
(p)(9) | Code of Ethics for Commonwealth Capital Management, LLC. 21 | |
(p)(10) | Code of Ethics for Vontobel Asset Management, Inc. 21 | |
(p)(11) | Code of Ethics for Real Estate Management Services, Inc. 22 | |
(p)(12) | Code of Ethics for Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC. 17 | |
(p)(13) | Code of Ethics for Leadsman Capital, LLC. 24 | |
(p)(14) | Code of Ethics for Chicago Partners Investment Group, LLC. 25 | |
(p)(15) | Code of Ethics for Strategic Asset Management, Ltd. 26 | |
(q) | Powers of Attorney. 16 | |
1. | Incorporated herein by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on July 8, 2008 (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
2. | Incorporated herein by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August 28, 2008 (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
3. | Incorporated herein by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on October 2, 2008 (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
4. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on November 25, 2008 (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
5. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on December 13, 2010 (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
6. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on January 24, 2011 (file Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
7. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on April 7, 2011 (file Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
8. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August 17, 2012 (file Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
9. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on January 30, 2013 (file Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
10. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on June 21, 2013. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
11. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on July 30, 2013 (file Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
12. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August 9, 2013. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
13. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on October 23, 2013. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
14. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on December 26, 2013. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
15. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on February 10, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
16. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on May 30, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
17. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on June 30, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
18. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on July 29, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
19. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August 1, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
20. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August 15, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
21. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August 15, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). |
22. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August 15, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
23. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August 15, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
24. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on September 15, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
25. | Incorporated by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on September 19, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172). | |
26. | Filed herewith. |
Item 29. Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control With Registrant
None.
Item 30. Indemnification
See Article VIII, Section 2 of the Registrants Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the section titled Indemnification of Trustees, Officers, Employees and Other Agents in the Registrants By-Laws.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the Declaration of Trust or otherwise, the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and, therefore, is unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by trustees, officers or controlling persons of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any act, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustees, officers or controlling persons in connection with the shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issues.
Item 31. Business and other Connections of the Investment Adviser
The list required by this Item 31 as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each of the investment advisers and sub-advisers, and each director, officer or partner of such investment advisers or sub-advisers, is or has been engaged within the last two fiscal years for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee, is incorporated herein by reference to Schedules A and D of each investment advisers or sub-advisers Form ADV listed opposite such investment advisers or sub-advisers name below, which is currently on file with the SEC as required by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
Item 32. Principal Underwriters
a) | First Dominion Capital Corp. also acts as underwriter to The World Funds, Inc. | |
b) | First Dominion Capital Corp. The information required by this Item 32(b) with respect to each director, officer or partner of FDCC is incorporated herein by reference to Schedule A of Form BD, filed by FDCC with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (File No. 8-33719). | |
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) | Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235 (records relating to its function as transfer agent to the Funds). |
b) | Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc., 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235 (records relating to its function as administrator to the Funds). |
c) | First Dominion Capital Corporation, 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235 (records relating to its function as distributor to the Funds). |
d) | Commonwealth Fund Accounting, Inc., 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235 (records relating to its function as fund accounting agent to the Funds). |
e) | Union Street Partners LLC, 1421 Prince Street, Suite 400 Alexandria, VA 22314. (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Union Street Partners Value Fund). |
f) | McGinn Investment Management, Inc., 201 North Union Street, Suite 101, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 (records relating to its function as sub-adviser to the Union Street Partners Value Fund). |
g) | Perkins Capital Management, Inc., 730 East Lake Street, Wayzata, MN 55391-1769 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Perkins Discovery Fund). |
h) | Virginia Financial Innovation Corp., 798 Park Ave. NW, Suite 204, Norton, VA 24273 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Virginia Equity Fund). |
i) | Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC, 565 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2101, New York, NY 10017 (records relating to its function as the investment adviser to the DGHM Funds). |
j) | Real Estate Management Services Group, LLC, 1100 Fifth Avenue, South, Suite 301, Naples, FL 34102-6407 (records relating to its function as the investment adviser to the REMS International Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund; REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund and REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund). |
k) | B. Riley Asset Management, LLC, 11100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 800, Los Angeles, California 90025 (records relating to its function as the investment adviser to the B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund). |
l) | Toreador Research and Trading, LLC, 7493 N. Ingram Avenue, Suite 104, Fresno, California 93711(records relating to its function as the investment adviser to the Toreador International Fund). |
m) | Commonwealth Capital Management, LLC, 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, VA 23235 (records relating to its function as the investment adviser to the European Equity Fund). |
n) | Vontobel Asset Management, Inc., 450 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022 (records relating to its function as sub-adviser to the European Equity Fund). |
o) | Leadsman Capital, LLC, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036 (records relating to its function as the investment adviser to the Leadsman Capital Strategic Income Fund). |
p) | Chicago Partners Investment Group, LLC, One North Wacker Drive, Suite 4110, Chicago, Illinois 60606 (records relating to its function as the investment adviser to the Big 4 OneFund). |
(q) | Strategic Asset Management, Ltd., Calle Ayacucho No. 277, La Paz, Bolivia (records relating to its |
function as the investment adviser to the Strategic Latin America Fund). |
Item 34. Management Services
There are no management-related service contracts not discussed in Parts A or B of this Form.
Item 35. Undertakings
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this registration statement under Rule 485(b) of the Securities Act and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrants Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Richmond, Commonwealth of Virginia on the 31st day of October 2014.
WORLD FUNDS TRUST
By: /s/ John Pasco, III | |
John Pasco, III | |
Trustee and Chairman |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature | Title | Date | ||
/s/ John Pasco, III | Trustee and Chairman | October 31, 2014 | ||
*David J. Urban | Trustee | October 31, 2014 | ||
*Mary Lou H. Ivey | Trustee | October 31, 2014 | ||
*Theo H. Pitt | Trustee | October 31, 2014 | ||
/s/ Karen Shupe | Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer | October 31, 2014 |
*By: Karen M. Shupe
*Attorney-in-fact pursuant to Powers of Attorney
EXHIBIT LIST |
(d)(18) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Strategic Asset Management, Ltd. with respect to the Strategic Latin America Fund. | |
(g)(12) | Amended Appendix B and revised Appendix C to the Custody Agreement, dated October 31, 2014 between the Registrant and UMB Bank, N.A., to include the Strategic Latin America Fund. | |
(h)(17) | Schedule A to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc., with respect to the Strategic Latin America Fund. | |
(h)(33) | Schedule C to the Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, dated October 1, 2008, between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., with respect to the Strategic Latin America Fund. | |
(h)(48) | Accounting Services Agreement dated October 31, 2014 between the Registrant and UMB Fund Services, Inc. with respect to Strategic Latin America Fund. | |
(h)(62) | Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Strategic Asset Management, Ltd. with respect to the Strategic Latin America Fund. | |
(i)(13) | Opinion and Consent of Legal Counsel for Strategic Latin America Fund. | |
(j)(12) | Consent of independent public accountants for Strategic Latin America Fund. | |
(m)(16) | Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated October 31, 2014, for the Class A Shares of the Strategic Latin America Fund. | |
(p)(15) | Code of Ethics for Strategic Asset Management, Ltd. |
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
Strategic Latin America Fund
THIS INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT is made as of the 23rd day of July, 2014 by and between the World Funds Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the Trust), on behalf of the Trusts Strategic Latin America Fund series (the Fund) and Strategic Asset Management, Ltd. (the Advisor).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS , the Trust is an open-end management investment company, registered as such under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Investment Company Act); and
WHEREAS , the Fund is a series of the Trust having separate assets and liabilities; and
WHEREAS , the Advisor is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act) and is engaged in the business of supplying investment advice as an independent contractor; and
WHEREAS , the Trust desires to retain the Advisor to render advice and services to the Fund pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement, and the Advisor desires to furnish said advice and services;
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the covenants and the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the parties to this Agreement, intending to be legally bound hereby, mutually agree as follows:
1. APPOINTMENT OF ADVISOR . The Trust hereby employs the Advisor and the Advisor hereby accepts such employment, to render investment advice and related services with respect to the assets of the Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement, subject to the supervision and direction of the Trusts Board of Trustees (the Board of Trustees).
2. DUTIES OF ADVISOR.
(a)
General
Duties.
The Advisor shall act as investment adviser to the Fund and shall supervise
investments of the Fund on behalf of the Fund in accordance with the investment
objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund as set forth in the Funds
and Trusts governing documents, including, without limitation, the Trusts
Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws; the Funds prospectus, statement
of additional information and undertakings; and such other limitations, policies
and procedures as the Trustees may impose from time to time in writing to the Advisor
(collectively, the Investment Policies). In providing such services,
the Advisor shall at all times adhere to the provisions and restrictions contained
in the federal securities laws, applicable state securities laws, the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, the Uniform Commercial Code and other applicable law.
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Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, the Advisor shall: (i) furnish the Fund with advice
and recommendations with respect to the investment of the Funds assets and
the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Fund, including the taking
of such steps as may be necessary to implement such advice and recommendations (i.e.,
placing the orders); (ii) manage and oversee the investments of the Fund, subject
to the ultimate supervision and direction of the Trusts Board of Trustees;
(iii) vote proxies for the Fund, file ownership reports under Section 13 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the 1934 Act) for the Fund, and take
other actions on behalf of the Fund; (iv) maintain the books and records required
to be maintained by the Fund except to the extent arrangements have been made for
such books and records to be maintained by the administrator or another agent of
the Fund;
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(v) furnish
reports, statements and other data on securities, economic conditions and other
matters related to the investment of the Funds assets which the Funds
administrator or distributor or the officers of the Trust may reasonably request;
and (vi) render to the Trusts Board of Trustees such periodic and special
reports with respect to the Funds investment activities as the Board may reasonably
request, including at least one in-person appearance annually before the Board of
Trustees.
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(b)
Brokerage.
The Advisor shall be responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the
Fund, for broker-dealer selection, and for negotiation of brokerage commission rates,
provided that the Advisor shall not direct orders to an affiliated person of the
Advisor without general prior authorization to use such affiliated broker or dealer
from the Trusts Board of Trustees. The Advisors primary consideration
in effecting a securities transaction will be execution at the most favorable price.
In selecting a broker-dealer to execute each particular transaction, the Advisor
may take the following into consideration: the best net price available; the reliability,
integrity and financial condition of the broker-dealer; the size of and difficulty
in executing the order; and the value of the expected contribution of the broker-dealer
to the investment performance of the Fund on a continuing basis. The price to the
Fund in any transaction may be less favorable than that available from another broker-dealer
if the difference is reasonably justified by other aspects of the portfolio execution
services offered.
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Subject to
such policies as the Board of Trustees of the Trust may determine and consistent
with Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act, the Advisor shall not be deemed to have acted
unlawfully or to have breached any duty created by this Agreement or otherwise solely
by reason of its having caused the Fund to pay a broker or dealer that provides
(directly or indirectly) brokerage or research services to the Advisor an amount
of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission
another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the
Advisor determines in good faith that such amount of commission was reasonable in
relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker
or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the Advisors overall responsibilities with respect to the Trust. Subject to the same policies
and legal provisions, the Advisor is further authorized to allocate the orders placed
by it on behalf of the Fund to such brokers or dealers who also provide research
or statistical material, or other services, to the Trust, the Advisor, or any affiliate
of either. Such allocation shall be in such amounts and proportions as the Advisor
shall determine, and the Advisor shall report on such allocations regularly to the
Trust, indicating the broker-dealers to whom such allocations have been made and
the basis therefor.
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On occasions
when the Advisor deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest
of the Fund as well as of other clients, the Advisor, to the extent permitted by
applicable laws and regulations, may aggregate the securities to be so purchased
or sold in order to obtain the most favorable price or lower brokerage commissions
and the most efficient execution. In such event, allocation of the securities so
purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be
made by the Advisor in the manner it considers to be the most equitable and consistent
with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to such other clients.
|
3. REPRESENTATIONS OF THE ADVISOR.
2
4. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
. The Advisor
shall, for all purposes herein, be deemed to be an independent contractor, and shall,
unless otherwise expressly provided and authorized to do so, have no authority to
act for or represent the Trust or the Fund in any way, or in any way be deemed an
agent for the Trust or for the Fund. It is expressly understood and agreed that
the services to be rendered by the Advisor to the Fund under the provisions of this
Agreement are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Advisor shall be free to render
similar or different services to others so long as its ability to render the services
provided for in this Agreement shall not be impaired thereby.
5. ADVISORS PERSONNEL
. The
Advisor shall, at its own expense, maintain such staff and employ or retain such
personnel and consult with such other persons as it shall from time to time determine
to be necessary to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the staff and personnel of the Advisor
shall be deemed to include persons employed or retained by the Advisor to furnish
statistical information, research, and other factual information, advice regarding
economic factors and trends, information with respect to technical and scientific
developments, and such other information, advice and assistance as the Advisor or
the Trusts Board of Trustees may desire and reasonably request and any compliance
staff and personnel required by the Advisor.
6. EXPENSES
.
3
7. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND MANAGEMENT FEE.
4
8. NO SHORTING; NO BORROWING
. The
Advisor agrees that neither it nor any of its officers or employees shall take any
short position in the shares of the Fund. This prohibition shall not prevent the
purchase of such shares by any of the officers or employees of the Advisor or any
trust, pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for such persons or affiliates
thereof, at a price not less than the net asset value thereof at the time of purchase,
as allowed pursuant to rules promulgated under the Investment Company Act. The Advisor
agrees that neither it nor any of its officers or employees shall borrow from the
Fund or pledge or use the Funds assets in connection with any borrowing not
directly for the Funds benefit. For this purpose, failure to pay any amount
due and payable to the Fund for a period of more than thirty (30) days shall constitute
a borrowing.
9. CONFLICTS WITH TRUSTS GOVERNING
DOCUMENTS AND APPLICABLE LAWS.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require
the Trust or the Fund to take any action contrary to the Trusts Agreement
and Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, or any applicable statute or regulation, or to
relieve or deprive the Board of Trustees of its responsibility for and control of
the conduct of the affairs of the Trust and Fund. In this connection, the Advisor
acknowledges that the Trustees retain ultimate plenary authority over the Fund and
may take any and all actions necessary and reasonable to protect the interests of
shareholders.
10. REPORTS AND ACCESS.
The Advisor
agrees to supply such information to the Funds administrator and to permit
such compliance inspections by the Funds administrator as shall be reasonably
necessary to permit the administrator to satisfy its obligations and respond to
the reasonable requests of the Board of Trustees.
11. ADVISORS LIABILITIES AND INDEMNIFICATION.
5
12. NON-EXCLUSIVITY; TRADING FOR ADVISORS OWN ACCOUNT
. The Trusts employment of the Advisor is not an exclusive
arrangement. The Trust may from time to time employ other individuals or entities
to furnish it with the services provided for herein. Likewise, the Advisor may act
as investment adviser for any other person, and shall not in any way be limited
or restricted from buying, selling or trading any securities for its or their own
accounts or the accounts of others for whom it or they may be acting; provided,
however, that the Advisor expressly represents that it will undertake no activities
which will adversely affect the performance of its obligations to the Fund under
this Agreement; and provided further that the Advisor will adhere to a code of ethics
governing employee trading and trading for proprietary accounts that conforms to
the requirements of the Investment Company Act and the Advisers Act and has been
approved by the Board of Trustees.
13. TRANSACTIONS WITH OTHER INVESTMENT
ADVISERS.
The Advisor is not an affiliated person of any investment adviser
responsible for providing advice with respect to any other series of the Trust,
or of any promoter, underwriter, officer, director, member of an advisory board
or employee of any other series of the Trust. The Advisor shall not consult with
the investment adviser of any other series of the Trust concerning transactions
for the Fund or any other series of the Trust.
6
14. TERM.
15. TERMINATION; NO ASSIGNMENT
.
16. NONPUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION
. Notwithstanding any provision herein to
the contrary, the Advisor agrees on behalf of itself and its managers, members,
officers, and employees (1) to treat confidentially and as proprietary information
of the Trust (a) all records and other information relative to the Funds prior,
present, or potential shareholders (and clients of said shareholders) and (b) any
Nonpublic Personal Information, as defined under Section 248.3(t) of Regulation
S-P (Regulation S-P), promulgated under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act
(the G-L-B Act); and (2) except after prior notification to and approval
in writing by the Trust, not to use such records and information for any purpose
other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, or as otherwise
permitted by Regulation S-P or the G-L-B Act, and if in compliance therewith, the
privacy policies adopted by the Trust and communicated in writing to the Advisor.
Such written approval shall not be unreasonably withheld by the Trust and may not
be withheld where the Advisor may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt or other
proceedings for failure to comply after being requested to divulge such information
by duly constituted authorities.
17. ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE
. The Advisor acknowledges that, in compliance
with the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended, the USA PATRIOT Act, and any implementing
regulations thereunder (together, AML Laws), the Trust has adopted an
Anti-Money Laundering Policy. The Advisor agrees to comply with the Trusts
Anti-Money Laundering Policy and the AML Laws, as the same may apply to the Advisor,
now and in the future. The Advisor further agrees to provide to the Trust and/or
the administrator such reports, certifications and contractual assurances as may
be reasonably
7
requested by the Trust. The Trust may disclose
information regarding the Advisor to governmental and/or regulatory or self-regulatory
authorities to the extent required by applicable law or regulation and may file
reports with such authorities as may be required by applicable law or regulation.
18. CERTIFICATIONS; DISCLOSURE CONTROLS
AND PROCEDURES
. The Advisor acknowledges that, in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 (the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), and the implementing regulations
promulgated thereunder, the Trust and the Fund are required to make certain certifications
and have adopted disclosure controls and procedures. To the extent reasonably requested
by the Trust, the Advisor agrees to use its best efforts to assist the Trust and
the Fund in complying with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and implementing the Trusts
disclosure controls and procedures. The Advisor agrees to inform the Trust of any
material development related to the Fund that the Advisor reasonably believes is
relevant to the Funds certification obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
19. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision
of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute or
rule, or shall be otherwise rendered invalid, the remainder of this Agreement shall
not be affected thereby.
20. CAPTIONS
. The captions in this
Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or
limit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
21. GOVERNING LAW
. This Agreement
shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of
Delaware without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles of Delaware or
any other jurisdiction; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to preempt,
or to be inconsistent with, any federal law, regulation or rule, including the Investment
Company Act and the Advisers Act and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF
, the parties hereto
have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their duly authorized officers,
all on the day and year first above written.
WORLD FUNDS TRUST
By:____/s/ John Pasco, III_________
Strategic Asset Management, Ltd.
By: __/s/ Mauricio Alvarez_________________
8
SCHEDULE A
Series or Fund of World Funds Trust Annual Fee Rate
Strategic Latin America Fund 1.10% of average daily net assets
9
On behalf of
the
Strategic Latin America Fund
Name: John Pasco, III
Title: Chairman
Name: Mauricio Alvarez
Title: CEO
APPENDIX B
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
The following portfolios (Funds) are hereby made parties to the Custody Agreement dated June 15, 2008, with UMB Bank, n.a. ("Custodian") and World Funds Trust, and agree to be bound by all the terms and conditions contained in said Agreement:
UNION STREET PARTNERS
VALUE FUND
PERKINS DISCOVERY FUND
VIRGINIA EQUITY FUND
B. RILEY DIVERSIFIED
EQUITY FUND
REMS INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITY FUND
REMS REAL ESTATE
VALUE OPPORTUNITY FUND
REMS REAL ESTATE INCOME 50/50 FUND
BIG 4 ONEFUND
LEADSMAN CAPITAL STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
STRATEGIC LATIN AMERICA FUND
WORLD FUNDS TRUST | |||
Attest: /s/ Karen Shupe | By: /s/ John Pasco, III | ||
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Name: John Pasco, III | |||
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Title: President | |||
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Date: October 31, 2014 | |||
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UMB BANK, N.A. | |||
Attest: | By: /s/ Michael Kaufhold | ||
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Name: Michael Kaufhold | |||
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Title: Vice President | |||
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Date: October 31, 2014 | |||
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APPENDIX C
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
Eligible Funds and Borrowing Limitations World Funds Trust
Fund Name | Acceptable Reason | Limitation |
Union Street Partners Value Fund | Temporary emergency only | Limited to extent allowed under the 1940 Act |
Perkins Discovery Fund | Temporary emergency only | Limited to extent allowed under the 1940 Act |
Virginia Equity Fund | Temporary emergency only | Limited to extent allowed under the 1940 Act |
B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund | Temporary emergency only | Limited to extent allowed under the 1940 Act |
REMS International Real Estate Value Opportunity Fund | Temporary emergency only | Limited to extent allowed under the 1940 Act |
REMS Real Estate Value Opportunity Fund | Temporary emergency only | Limited to extent allowed under the 1940 Act |
REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund | Temporary emergency only | Limited to extent allowed under the 1940 Act |
Big 4 Onefund | Temporary emergency only | Limited to extent allowed under the 1940 Act |
Leadsman Capital Strategic Income Fund | Temporary emergency only | Limited to extent allowed under the 1940 Act |
Strategic Latin America Fund | Temporary emergency only | Limited to extent allowed under the 1940 Act |
Schedule A |
to the |
Administration Agreement |
between |
World Funds Trust (the Trust) |
and |
Commonwealth Shareholder Services, Inc. (CSS) |
Dated as of October 31, 2014 |
Strategic Latin America Fund |
Compensation to be Paid to CSS:
A. | For administration, CSS shall be paid an asset-based administrative fee, computed daily and paid monthly, at the following annual rates based on the average daily net assets of each Fund: |
Name of Fund | Administrative Services Fee | |||
Strategic Latin America Fund | Asset-based fee*: | |||
$0 to $100 million in total assets: | 10 basis points | |||
From $100 million to $250 million in total assets: | 7 basis points | |||
Greater than $250 million in total assets: | 5 basis points | |||
*Subject to an annual minimum of $30,000 for a single fund or $25,000 per fund for multiple funds with same adviser. | ||||
For multiple funds, Commonwealth will calculate the basis point fee for the combined assets of all funds for which Commonwealth provides fund administration services and determine if the basis point fee or annual minimum for the funds is greater. The greater amount will then be allocated based on each funds portion of the total assets. |
B. | For the performance of Blue Sky matters, CSS shall be paid at the following rate: |
State Permit Fee: $125.00 per permit | |
Subsequent Event Fee: $50.00 per event. |
C. | Out-of-pocket expenses will be passed through as incurred, with no mark-up or set-off. Out-of-pocket expenses include, but are not limited to: |
- EDGAR filing fees | - State Registration Fees | |
- Printing and Mailing of Shareholder Reports | - Regulatory Fees | |
- Legal Fees | - Proxy Fees | |
- Board meeting related expenses | - ICI Membership Fees |
Schedule C |
to the |
Transfer Agency and Services Agreement |
between |
World Funds Trust (the Trust) |
and |
Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. (CFS) |
Dated as of October 31, 2014
Strategic Latin America Fund
Name of Fund | Transfer Agency Fee | ||||||
Strategic Latin America Fund | Per Account fee*: | ||||||
Direct accounts | $ | 20 | per active account | ||||
NSCC accounts | $ | 15 | per active account | ||||
Inactive/Closed | $ | 3 | |||||
*Subject to an annual minimum of $15,000. | |||||||
For multiple funds, Commonwealth will calculate the per account fee for the combined accounts of all funds for which Commonwealth provides transfer agency services and determine if the per account fee or annual minimum for the funds is greater. The greater amount will then be allocated based on each funds portion of the total assets. |
For the purposes of this Agreement, an open account is an account that has assets or that has had assets for the current tax reporting period. For example, an account opened and funded on January 2, 2012 which is redeemed in full on May 31, 2012 would continue to be billable as an open account until April 15, 2013 because it needs to be maintained through the tax reporting cycle of the year following the full redemption. On April 16, 2013, the account would be billable as a closed account. Unfunded accounts, that is accounts that have never been funded, are not billable. A closed account has a zero balance and no activity in the current tax reporting cycle.
Internet access for shareholder account look-up and broker account access, as well as VRU (Voice Response Unit) access, will be available to those portfolios/classes wishing to provide the service to their shareholders and/or brokers for a single annual fee of $5,000 for all funds.
Out-of-pocket expenses will be passed through as incurred, with no mark-up or set-off. Out-of-pocket expenses include, but are not limited to:
- Postage | - Forms |
- Telephone (Long Distance/800 Service) | - Mailing House Expenses | ||
- Telephone (Dedicated circuits) | - Proxy Solicitation | ||
- Express Mail Charges | - Storage Fees | ||
- Fund/SERV & Networking Fees | - Bank Account Maintenance Fees | ||
- FedWire/ACH/Swift Fees | - Custom Programming Costs | ||
- Special Reports | - Conversion/Deconversion Costs** | ||
- Special Training requested by Fund | - SSAE 16 Reporting | ||
- Annual AML Review | - 22c-2 Compliance | ||
- AML/CIP Charges | - Website Hosting/Maintenance |
Labor costs associated with items covered under out-of-pocket provisions will be based on the following schedule:
Principal/Officer | $250.00/hr | ||
Manager/Supervisor | $175.00/hr | ||
Programmer/Technical | $150.00/hr | ||
Administrative | $75.00/hr |
**Conversion costs will be based on vendor per-account charges plus labor, billed at the rates noted above.
Amended and Restated
Schedule A
to the
Fund Accounting Agreement
by and between
World Funds
Trust
and
UMB Fund Services, Inc.
Intending to be legally bound, the undersigned hereby amend and restate Schedule A to the aforesaid Agreement as follows, effective as of the date set forth below.
NAMES OF FUNDS
REMS International Real Estate
Value-Opportunity Fund
Strategic Latin America Fund
In witness whereof, the undersigned have executed this Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Fund Accounting Agreement between World Funds Trust and UMB Fund Services, Inc., effective as of the 31st day of October, 2014.
UMB FUND SERVICES, INC. | WORLD FUNDS TRUST | ||
By:_____________________________ | By:___/s/ John Pasco, III________ | ||
Title:_____________________________ | Title:__President_________________ |
WORLD FUNDS TRUST
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT, effective as of July 23, 2014 by and between Strategic Asset Management, Ltd. (the "Adviser") and World Funds Trust (the "Trust") ("Agreement"), on behalf of the series of the Trust set forth in Schedule A attached hereto (each a "Fund," and collectively, the "Funds").
WHEREAS, the Trust is a Delaware statutory trust, and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company of the series type, and each Fund is a series of the Trust;
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Adviser have entered into an Advisory Agreement dated July 23, 2014 ("Advisory Agreement"), pursuant to which the Adviser provides investment management services to each Fund for compensation based on the value of the average daily net assets of each such Fund;
WHEREAS , the Trust and the Adviser have determined that it is appropriate and in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders to maintain the expenses of each Fund at a level below the level to which each such Fund would normally be subject in order to maintain each Funds expense ratio at the Maximum Annual Operating Expense Limit (as hereinafter defined) specified in Schedule A hereto;
NOW THEREFORE , the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. | Expense Limitation . |
a. |
Applicable
Expense Limit
. To the extent that the aggregate expenses of every character
incurred by a Fund in any fiscal year, including but not limited to investment advisory
fees of the Adviser (but excluding interest, distribution fees pursuant to Rule
12b-1 Plans, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, dividend
expenses on short sales, and other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles and other extraordinary expenses not
incurred in the ordinary course of such Funds business) ("Fund Operating Expenses"),
exceed the Maximum Annual Operating Expense Limit, as defined in Section 1.2 below,
such excess amount (the "Excess Amount") shall be the liability of the Adviser.
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b. |
Maximum
Annual Operating Expense Limit
. The Maximum Annual Operating Expense Limit with
respect to each Fund shall be the amount specified in Schedule A based on a percentage
of the average daily net assets of each Fund.
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c. |
Method
of Computation
. To determine the Advisers liability with respect to the
Excess Amount, each month the Fund Operating Expenses for each Fund shall be annualized
as of the last day of the month. If the annualized Fund Operating Expenses for any
month of
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1
a Fund exceed
the Maximum Annual Operating Expense Limit of such 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
Maximum Annual 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
may also remit to the appropriate Fund or Funds an amount that, together with the
waived or reduced investment advisory fee, is sufficient to pay such Excess Amount.
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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 or Funds with respect to the previous fiscal
year shall equal the Excess Amount.
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2. | Reimbursement of Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements. |
a. |
Reimbursement
. If, during any fiscal quarter in which the Advisory Agreement is still in effect,
the estimated aggregate Fund Operating Expenses of such Fund for the fiscal quarter
are less than the Maximum Annual Operating Expense Limit for that quarter, the Adviser
shall be entitled to reimbursement by such Fund, in whole or in part as provided
below, of the investment advisory fees waived or reduced and other payments remitted
by the Adviser to such Fund pursuant to Section 1 hereof. The total amount of reimbursement
to which the Adviser may be entitled ("Reimbursement Amount") shall equal, at any
time, the sum of all investment advisory fees previously waived or reduced by the
Adviser and all other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund, pursuant to
Section 1 hereof, during any of the previous three (3) fiscal years, less any reimbursement
previously paid by such Fund to the Adviser, pursuant to this Sections 2.1, with
respect to such waivers, reductions, and payments. The Reimbursement Amount shall
not include any additional charges or fees whatsoever, including, e.g., interest
accruable on the Reimbursement Amount. To the extent any reimbursement is made pursuant
to this Section 2.1, such reimbursement shall not cause the Fund Operating Expenses
to exceed the Maximum Annual Operating Expense Limit that was in place at the time
the Adviser waived or reduced its advisory fees or reimburse other expenses of the
Fund.
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b. |
Board Review
. No Reimbursement Amount will be paid to the Adviser if the Trusts Board
of Trustees determines that the payment of the Reimbursement Amount is not in the
best interests of shareholders.
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c. |
Method
of Computation
. To determine each Funds accrual, if any, to reimburse
the Adviser for the Reimbursement Amount, each month the Fund Operating Expenses
of each Fund shall be annualized as of the last day of the month. If the annualized
Fund Operating Expenses of a Fund for any month are less than the Maximum Annual
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 Maximum Annual
Operating
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2
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, amounts accrued pursuant
to this Section 2 shall be a liability of the Fund for purposes of determining the
Funds net asset value.
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d. |
Payment
and Year-End Adjustment
. Amounts accrued pursuant to this Agreement shall be
payable to the Adviser as of the last day of each month. 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 Maximum Annual Operating Expense
Limit.
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3. | Term and Termination of Agreement. |
a. |
This Agreement
shall continue in effect with respect to the Fund until January 31, 2016 and shall
thereafter continue in effect with respect to each Fund from year to year for successive
one-year periods provided that Agreement may be terminated by either party hereto,
without payment of any penalty, upon ninety (90) days prior written notice
to the other party at its principal place of business; provided that, in the case
of termination by the Adviser, such action shall be authorized by resolution of
a majority of the Non- Interested Trustees of the Trust or by a vote of a majority
of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust.
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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.
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b. |
Interpretation
. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust or the Funds
to take any action contrary to the Trusts Agreement and Declaration of Trust
or by-laws, as amended from time to time, 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 Funds. The parties to this Agreement
acknowledge and agree that all litigation arising hereunder, whether direct or indirect,
and of any and every nature whatsoever shall be satisfied solely out of the assets
of the affected Fund and that no Trustee, officer or holder of shares of beneficial
interest of the Fund shall be personally liable for any of the foregoing liabilities.
The Trusts Agreement and Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary
of State of the State of Delaware. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust and by-laws
describe in detail the respective responsibilities and limitations on liability
of the Trustees, officers, and holders of shares of beneficial interest.
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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.
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d. |
Enforceability
. Any term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid or unenforceable in
any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction be ineffective to the extent of
such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the
remaining terms or provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability
of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.
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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.
World Funds Trust, on behalf of each Fund Listed on Schedule A | |
By: ___/s/ John Pasco, III_________________ | |
Name: John Pasco, III | |
Title: Chairman | |
Strategic Asset Management, Ltd. | |
By: ____/s/ Mauricio Alvarez________________ | |
Name: Mauricio Alvarez | |
CEO |
4
SCHEDULE A |
to the |
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") |
between |
WORLD FUNDS TRUST (the "Trust") |
and |
Strategic Asset Management, Ltd. |
Dated as of July 23, 2014
This Agreement relates to the following Funds of the Trust:
Maximum Annual | ||
Fund | Operating Expense | |
Limit | ||
Strategic Latin America Fund | 1.55% | |
5
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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 |
October 31, 2014
World Funds Trust
8730 Stony Point Parkway
Suite 205
Richmond, VA 23235
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. 333-148723 and 811-22172)
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to World Funds 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 (collectively, the Shares), with no par value per share, of the Strategic Latin America Fund (the Fund), a new series portfolio 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, applicable resolutions of the Board of Trustees, and originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such other documents, records and other instruments as we have deemed necessary or advisable for purposes of this opinion. We have also examined the prospectus and statement of additional information for the Fund, substantially in the form in which they are to be filed in the Amendment (collectively, the "Prospectus").
As to any facts or questions of fact material to the opinions set forth below, we have relied exclusively upon the aforesaid documents and upon representations and declarations of the officers or other representatives of the Trust. We have made no independent investigation whatsoever as to such factual matters.
The Prospectus provides for issuance of the Shares from time to time at the net asset value thereof, plus any applicable sales charge. In reaching the opinions set forth below, we have assumed that upon sale of the Shares, the Trust will receive the net asset value thereof.
World Funds Trust
October 31, 2014
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
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(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.
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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 their 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
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(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, 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
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We express no opinion concerning the laws of any jurisdiction other than the federal law of the United States of America and the Delaware Statutory Trust Act.
We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statementand 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 consent to the references to our firm in the Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of World Funds Trust and to the use of our report dated May 30, 2014 on the financial statements and financial highlights of the Strategic Latin America Fund. Such financial statements and financial highlights appear in the 2014 Annual Report to Shareholders which are also incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to us in the Prospectus and in the Statement of Additional Information.
TAIT, WELLER & BAKER LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 31, 2014
WORLD FUNDS TRUST |
DISTRIBUTION PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1 |
Adopted October 1, 2008 |
Amended May 16, 2014 |
WHEREAS, World Funds Trust , a statutory trust organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the Trust), is engaged in business as an open-end management investment company and is registered as such under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Act);
WHEREAS, the Trust employs First Dominion Capital Corp . (the Distributor) as distributor of the securities of which it is the issuer;
WHEREAS, the Trust operates as a series company within the meaning of Rule 18f-2 under the Act and is authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest in various series, which are listed on Schedule A hereto (collectively the Funds), which Schedule may be amended to add or remove series;
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Distributor have entered into a Distribution Agreement pursuant to which the Trust has employed the Distributor in such capacity during the continuous offering of shares of the Funds;
WHEREAS, the Trustees, including the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan and any agreements relating to it (the Independent Trustees), having determined, in the exercise of reasonable business judgment and in light of their fiduciary duties under state law and under Section 36(a) and (b) of the Act, that there is a reasonable likelihood that this Plan will benefit each Fund and its shareholders, have approved the Plan by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan and agreements related thereto.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Trust hereby adopts on behalf of the Funds, and the Distributor hereby agrees to the terms of the Plan, in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act, on the following terms and conditions:
1. SERVICES. The Trust has entered into a Distribution Agreement on behalf of the Funds with the Distributor, under which the Distributor uses all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers of each Funds shares of beneficial interest (the Shares). Such efforts may include, but neither are required to include nor are limited to, the following: (1) formulation and implementation of marketing and promotional activities, such as mail promotions and television, radio, newspaper, magazine and other mass media advertising; (2) preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature; (3) preparation, printing and distribution of prospectuses of the Funds and reports to recipients other than the existing shareholders of the Funds; (4) obtaining such information, analyses and reports with respect to marketing and
promotional activities as the Distributor may, from time to time, deem advisable; (5) making payments to securities dealers and others engaged in the sale of Shares or who engage in shareholder support services (Investment Professionals); and (6) providing training, marketing and support to such dealers with respect to the sale of Shares.
2. DISTRIBUTION FEES. In consideration for the services provided and the expenses incurred by the Distributor pursuant to the Distribution Agreement and Paragraph 1 hereof, all with respect to the Funds set forth on Schedule A hereto, each Fund shall pay to the Distributor a fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class A Shares and Class P Shares of each Fund and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of Class C Shares of each Fund. Such fee shall be calculated and accrued daily and paid monthly or at such intervals as the Board of Trustees (the Board) shall determine, subject to any applicable restriction imposed by rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. The Distributor may use all or any portion of the distribution fee received pursuant to the Plan to compensate Investment Professionals who have engaged in the sale of the Funds or in shareholder support services with respect to the Funds pursuant to agreements with the Distributor, or to pay any of the expenses associated with other activities authorized under paragraph 1 hereof.
3. REVENUE SHARING. Each Fund presently pays, and will continue to pay, an advisory fee to its investment adviser, as listed in Schedule A, (each, an Adviser), pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Trust and the Adviser. It is recognized that an Adviser may use its advisory fee revenue, as well as its past profits or its resources from any other source, to make payment to the Distributor with respect to any expenses incurred in connection with the distribution of the Funds, including the activities referred to in Paragraph 1 hereof. To the extent that the payment of advisory fees by the Fund to an Adviser should be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Funds within the meaning of Rule 12b-1, then such payment shall be deemed to be authorized by this Plan.
4. TERM AND TERMINATION.
(a) INITIAL TERM. This Plan shall become effective upon the approval by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan.
(b) CONTINUATION OF THE PLAN. This Plan and any related agreements shall continue in full force and effect for so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan.
(c) TERMINATION OF THE PLAN. This Plan may be terminated with respect to a Fund at any time by vote of a majority of the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such Fund.
5. AMENDMENTS. This Plan may be amended at any time by the Board, provided that (a) any amendment to materially increase the fee provided for in Paragraph 2 hereof with respect to a Fund shall be effective only upon approval by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of such Fund and (b) any material amendment of this Plan shall be effective only upon approval in the manner provided in the Paragraph 4(a) hereof.
6. QUARTERLY REPORTS. The Distributor shall provide to the Board and the Board shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts accrued and the amounts expended under this Plan, along with the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
7. RECORDKEEPING. The Trust shall preserve copies of this Plan and any related agreements and all reports made pursuant to Paragraph 6 hereof, for a period of not less than six years from the date of this Plan, the agreements or such report, as the case may be; the first two years in an easily accessible place.
8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. The Distributor is expressly put on notice of the limitation of liability as set forth in the Trusts Agreement and Declaration of Trust, and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Funds pursuant to this Agreement shall be limited in all cases to each Fund and each Funds respective assets, and the Distributor shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from shareholders or any shareholder of the Funds. In addition, the Distributor shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees of the Trust or any individual Trustee. The Distributor understands that the rights and obligations of any Fund under the Trusts Agreement and Declaration of Trust are separate and distinct from those of any of and all other Funds.
9. GOVERNANCE STANDARDS. So long as this plan is in effect, the Board shall satisfy the fund governance standards as defined in Rule 0-1(a)(7) under the Act.
SCHEDULE A
to the
DISTRIBUTION PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1
List of Funds
Amended as of_May 16, 2014
Fund Name | Advisor Name | |
Union Street Partners Value Fund | Union Street Partners, LLC | |
Virginia Equity Fund | Virginia Financial Innovations Corp. | |
Strategic Latin America Fund | Strategic Asset Management, LTD |
VIII. CODE OF ETHICS; INSIDER TRADING; CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
POLICY
Code of Ethics - SAM holds its employees and Access Persons to a high standard of integrity and business practice. Maintaining this high standard and SAMs reputation in todays regulatory and business climate requires strict observance of ethical behavior, fiduciary duty to clients and legal obligations created by federal securities laws.
The SAM Code of Ethics (the Code) is found at Exhibit 2 of this Manual. The Code establishes standards of conduct and is designed to govern the personal securities transactions of all Access Persons, as defined therein. Further, the Code contains provisions reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from engaging in any act, practice, or course of business that would defraud or mislead SAMs clients, or that would constitute a manipulative practice under federal securities laws. The Code is provided to each employee upon beginning employment, and upon any amendment to the Code. All employees are required to report known violations of the Code to the Chief Compliance Officer.
Access Persons of the Adviser are also subject to the Code of Ethics of the Trust as described under Section IV of this Manual.
Employees who violate the policies and procedures set forth in the Code may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
Insider Trading - Under applicable federal securities laws, all persons are prohibited from trading or recommending trading in securities on the basis of material, non-public or inside information. In addition, Section 206 of the Advisers Act and other laws generally make it unlawful for any employee to use for his or her personal benefit information about prospective transactions being considered for client accounts.
Material, non-public information may include any information concerning an issuer of a security or a security that has not been publicly disseminated and which a reasonable investor might consider important in deciding whether to purchase, sell or hold a security.
| dividend increases or decreases | ||
| earnings (or loss) estimates or material changes to previously released earnings (or loss) estimates | ||
| significant expansion or curtailment of operations | ||
| significant increase or decline in revenues | ||
| significant merger or acquisition proposals or agreements, including tender offers | ||
| significant new products or discoveries | ||
| extraordinary borrowing | ||
| major litigation | ||
| liquidity problems |
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| bankruptcy | ||
| extraordinary management developments | ||
| purchase or sale of substantial assets |
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Information is non-public when it has been identified as such when communicated or when it is received from a known or suspected inside source. Information becomes public after it has been made available to the general public and the public has had a chance to absorb the information (which is generally deemed to be within 24 to 48 hours after publication).
The Adviser and its Supervised Persons will not trade or recommend trading on the basis of material non-public information, or use such information for personal gain or benefit.
Conflicts of Interest - The firms Operating Procedures for Potential Conflicts of Interest , found at Exhibit 3 of this manual, detail how SAM management undertakes to assess and manage potential or actual conflicts of interests relating to the Advisory services provided by the firm to its Advisory clients. For information concerning the Funds policies and procedures regarding Gifts and Entertainment, please see the Funds Code of Ethics. Refer to the Code for more information regarding conflicts of interest.
PROCEDURES
The Chief Compliance Officer has primary responsibility to review, maintain and enforce SAMs Code of Ethics and conflicts of interest policies. Procedures relating to the SAM Code of Ethics and procedures regarding conflicts of interest are set forth in Exhibit 2 and Exhibit 3 of this Manual, respectively. The Chief Compliance Officer also has the primary responsibility to review, maintain, and enforce SAMs insider trading policy and procedures. The Chief Compliance Officer or designee will monitor compliance with these policies and procedures through SAMs Code of Ethics, found at Exhibit 2 of this Manual.
Access Persons who come into possession of material non-public information 5 must maintain the confidentiality of such information and abstain from trading until it has been deemed publicly disclosed. Access Persons who may be in possession of material non-public information with respect to a security shall not :
| Purchase or sell, or recommend the purchase or sale of, such security or any related security (e.g., options) for any account he/she advises or, if applicable, any other client | ||
| Purchase or sell, or recommend the purchase or sale of, such security or any related security for any account in which he/she has a beneficial interest | ||
| Share the information with others (i.e., tipping) | ||
| Selectively disclose information about client holdings |
Anyone who may be in possession of material non-public information must report the receipt of such information to the Chief Compliance Officer immediately upon receiving such information.
5 Information about clients portfolios is material, non-public information. This includes, but is not limited to current portfolio holdings; the trading strategy, including the intention to purchase, sell or hold securities; information about dividends, including the potential for payment and rate of future dividends. |
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Employees who violate the above Insider Trading Policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
IX. Political Activities and Charitable Contributions
This policy governs political activities and charitable contributions by officers and employees of Strategic Asset Management Ltd (hereinafter referred to as SAM). Political activities and contributions by SAM and its employees are subject to regulation, as described below. Inappropriate charitable contributions made by SAM or its Employees can negatively affect SAMs business relationships.
Your personal political and charitable contributions may be affected by this policy. For instance, volunteer political activities on behalf of clients, political parties, political action committees, and individuals may be implicated by this policy. If you have questions concerning this policy, please contact the Chief Compliance Officer.
A. | Political Contributions and Solicitations | |
Employee Contributions - Restriction : |
All employees are prohibited from making personal political contributions to the election of any state or municipal candidate with the exception of contributions below $150. Employees may not make any political contributions for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or unlawfully influencing an official decision. Employees may not use, nor permit the use of, SAMs name, facilities, equipment or other resources (including computers, letterhead and employee services) in connection with any political contribution or campaign activity. Employees may not bundle political contributions by (1) collecting and forwarding contributions to campaigns or (2) providing stamped or addressed envelopes in which to send such contributions. Political contributions must be sent directly to the intended recipient and not through another employee. SAM will not reimburse or compensate employees in any way, and no employee may seek reimbursement or compensation from SAM, for individual political contributions or other costs related to political activities. Employees may not solicit other SAM employees for political contributions. Any employees may be asked to disclose certain information relating to his or her political contributions and activities so that SAM may determine whether an employee has complied with this policy.
Contributions by SAM Employees, Agents and Representatives
You must obtain the prior approval from the Chief Compliance Officer before making a personal political
contribution to any candidate, political action party committee, or other political
committee (such as a political action committee (PAC)) in the United
States. For this purpose, political contribution includes in-kind contributions
to and volunteer work or solicitations for a candidate or official. Employees,
Agents and Representatives include the parties listed in Exhibit A.
B.
Political and Governmental
Activities
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From time to time, Employees may become involved in political campaigns, or hold or run for elected or appointed positions (paid or volunteer) with various governmental entities or political parties. An employee may, without Compliance Officer or his delegates approval, serve as an unpaid volunteer with a national, state or local political party or partisan association, as long as the party or association on whose behalf such employee is acting is not a client of SAM. Employees may not run or hold elected or appointed political office (paid or unpaid) without prior approval. For all political activities other than serving as an unpaid volunteer, employees must obtain prior written approval from the Chief Compliance Officer or his delegate. To request approval or advice, submit the Political/Governmental Activity Approval Form to the Chief Compliance Officer or his delegate (see Exhibit B).
Please note that all communications and activities by employees involving any election campaign or elected or appointed position must take place away from SAM premises. Employees may not use SAM resources in connection with any election campaign or elected or appointed position including, without limitation, SAMs logo, stationery (including business cards), mailroom facilities, photocopiers, facsimile machines, computers, telephone, secretary or other staff. Employees may not work on campaign activities during working hours or while conducting SAM business. Employees may not use, or permit the use of, SAMs name in any media events in connection with outside political or governmental activity. This includes, but is not limited to, webcasts, television, radio, interviews, speeches, magazine articles and the like.
C. Charitable Contributions
No charitable contribution may be made by an employee or by SAM for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, or in an effort to unlawfully influence an official decision.
A charitable contribution made by a SAM employee in his or her individual capacity does not need to be pre-cleared. An employee who volunteers or otherwise provides services to any charity need not pre-clear such activity as long as SAMs name is not used or associated in any way in connection with the employees activity with the charity. A contribution made by SAM, or by an employee in a representative capacity, could pose a conflict of interest and therefore must be pre-cleared by the Chief Compliance Officer or his delegate, which will consult with the Compliance Committee in connection with the approval process. To request such approval, please submit a request for approval to the Chief Compliance Officer or his delegate on the form attached as Exhibit C.
Responsible Parties
Compliance Officer or his delegate will be responsible for overseeing the implementation and enforcement of this policy. Documentation, monitoring and testing of this policy will be completed via the Annual Report of the Chief Compliance Officer regarding the effectiveness of this policy.
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Exhibit A
SAM MANAGEMENT
SUPERVISED PERSONS
Heiner W. Skaliks
Mauricio Alvarez
Fernando Gutierrez
German Zuazo
Alberto Valdez
Jose E Zeballos
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Exhibit B
Strategic Asset Management Ltd
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITY
APPROVAL FORM
SAM employees who wish to engage in a political or governmental activity must complete this form and obtain pre-clearance from the Chief Compliance Officer or his delegate.
1. | Name of Employee Requesting Permission: | |
2. | Employees Title: | |
3. | Please check the applicable response: |
I hereby request approval to engage in the activity checked below:
This position would be _paid _volunteer.
4. | For how long do you expect to be involved in this activity? | |
|
||
5. | Briefly describe your responsibilities in the proposed activity and any other information you believe | |
SAM should be aware of regarding the entity and/or your proposed activity. | ||
|
||
6. | Please describe any actual or potential conflicts of interest that could arise if you engage in this | |
activity. If none, please so indicate. | ||
|
||
Employee Certification: I hereby certify that I have answered the foregoing questions truthfully. |
Employee Signature: _____________________________________________
Date: _______________________
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Compliance Department Action Taken:
Approved_____Declined ______
Date:
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Exhibit C
Strategic Asset Management Ltd
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
APPROVAL FORM
1. | Name of Employee Requesting Action: | |
2. | Please specify name and address of charity: | |
3. | Disclose the amount or value of the proposed contribution. $_________________________________ | |
4. | Has SAM made a contribution to or to benefit this recipient in the past 12 months? If so, specify the amount or value and the dates they were made. | |
5. | Are you requesting that SAM make this contribution at the request of a client? | |
If so, provide name of the client. |
Employee Certification :
I hereby certify that I have answered all of the foregoing questions truthfully.
Employee Name ___________________
Employee Signature: _______________ Date: _________
Compliance Department Decision:
Approved_________Declined_________
Date:
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