REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | [X] | |
Pre-Effective Amendment No. |
[ ] | |
Post-Effective Amendment No. (275) |
[X] | |
and/or | ||
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | [X] | |
Amendment No. (276) |
[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 ____________ 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.
Union Street Partners Value Fund
PROSPECTUS
January
29, 2018
CLASS A SHARES
Ticker:
USPVX
CLASS C SHARES
Ticker:
USPCX
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES
Ticker: USPFX
This prospectus describes the Union Street Partners Value Fund, a series of shares offered by World Funds Trust. A series fund offers you a choice of investments, with each series having its own investment objective and a separate portfolio. The Fund is authorized to offer three classes of shares, all of which are offered by this prospectus.
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 |
3 | |
Principal Investment Strategies |
3 | |
Principal Risks |
4 | |
Performance History |
6 | |
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser |
8 | |
Portfolio Manager |
8 | |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares |
8 | |
Tax Information |
9 | |
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Intermediaries |
9 | |
Additional Information About Fund Investments | 10 | |
Additional Information About Risk | 11 | |
Management | 14 | |
How to Buy Shares | 18 | |
How to Sell Shares | 20 | |
General Information | 23 | |
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes | 25 | |
Distribution Arrangements | 30 | |
Financial Highlights | 36 | |
For More Information | 40 |
FUND SUMMARY
Investment Objective
The Union Street Partners Value Fund (the Fund) seeks to achieve 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 $50,000 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.
Shareholder
Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment) |
Class A
Shares |
Class C
Shares |
Advisor
Class Shares |
||||
Maximum sales charge (load) | 5.75% | None | None | ||||
Maximum deferred sales charges (load) (as a percentage of the NAV at time of purchase) | None (1) | 1.00% | None | ||||
Redemption Fee | None | None | None | ||||
Exchange Fee | None | None | None | ||||
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Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
|||||||
Class A
Shares |
Class C
Shares |
Advisor
Class Shares |
|||||
Management Fee | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% | ||||
Distribution (12b-1) and Service Fees | 0.25% | 1.00% | None | ||||
Other Expenses | 0.57% | 0.57% | 0.57% | ||||
Shareholder Services Plan | 0.02% | 0.04% | 0.10% | ||||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.84% | 2.61% | 1.67% | ||||
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements (2) | (0.24%) | (0.26%) | (0.32%) | ||||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) (2) | 1.60% | 2.35% | 1.35% | ||||
(1) |
With respect
to certain purchases made without the imposition of a sales charge at the time of
purchase, you may be charged a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge on Class A
Shares if you redeem your shares less than 1 year after you purchase them.
|
||
(2) |
Union Street
Partners, LLC (the Adviser) has entered into a written expense limitation
agreement under which it has agreed to limit the total expenses of the Fund (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) to an annual rate of 1.35% of the average daily net assets of the
Fund. The Adviser may not terminate this expense limitation agreement prior to January
31, 2019. Each waiver or reimbursement of an expense by the Adviser is subject to
repayment by the Fund within three fiscal years following the fiscal year in which
the expense was incurred, provided that the Fund is able to make the repayment without
exceeding the expense limitation in place at the time of the waiver or reimbursement
and at the time the waiver or reimbursement is recouped.
|
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Example
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Funds operating expenses remain the same. The effect of the Advisers agreement to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses is only reflected in the first year of each example shown below. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Share Class | 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
Class A Shares |
$728 | $1,098 | $1,492 | $2,591 |
Class C Shares | $438 (1) | $ 787 | $1,362 | $2,925 |
Advisor Class
Shares |
$153 | $ 548 | $ 968 | $2,141 |
(1) |
If you did
not redeem your shares, your cost would be $238 for the one year period.
|
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 ended September 30, 2017, the Funds portfolio turnover rate was 9.03% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest primarily in the equity securities of large cap U.S. companies. The Fund defines a large-cap company as one whose market cap is $5 billion or greater at the time of purchase. The Fund will normally hold a core position of between 25 and 30 securities. The number of securities held by the Fund may occasionally exceed this range at times such as when the portfolio managers are accumulating new positions, phasing out and replacing existing positions, or responding to exceptional market conditions.
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Equity securities consist of common stock, depositary receipts (including American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) and unsponsored depositary receipts), real estate investment trusts (REITs), master limited partnerships (MLPs), and securities convertible into common stock, such as warrants, rights, convertible bonds, debentures and convertible preferred stocks. ADRs are receipts typically issued by an American bank or trust company that evidence underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs (issued in Europe) and GDRs (issued throughout the world) each evidence a similar ownership arrangement. MLPs are generally energy-related businesses and the Fund may invest in energy, real estate, and/or finance-related MLPs if the Adviser believes the business will deliver desirable returns.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in high quality money market instruments and repurchase agreements. The Fund may also invest in shares of other registered investment companies, such as closed-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
The Sub-Adviser utilizes a value approach to investing in that it selects investments for the Fund based on its belief that stock prices fluctuate around the true value of a company. The Sub-Adviser analyzes valuation ratios and typically selects stocks with low ratios of price/earnings, price/cash flow, price/book value and price/dividend.
The Sub-Adviser desires to produce superior risk adjusted returns by building portfolios of businesses with outstanding risk/reward profiles without running a high degree of capital risk. The Sub-Adviser only invests in those businesses it understands and where it has confidence in the companys management and financial strength. Emphasis is placed on those companies which the Sub-Adviser believes are most likely to prosper under various economic conditions.
The Sub-Adviser sells or reduces the Funds position in a security (1) when it approaches the Sub-Advisers estimate of its fair value, (2) when its economic fundamentals have deteriorated, or (3) when the facts or the analysis surrounding the reason to originally put the security in the Funds portfolio have changed.
The Fund is a non-diversified fund, which means it can invest in fewer securities at any one time than a diversified fund. Also, from time to time the Fund may invest a significant portion of its asset in a limited number of industry sectors, but will not concentrate in any particular industry.
Principal Risks
Risks of Investing in Common Stocks. Overall stock market risks may affect the value of the Fund. Factors such as domestic economic growth and market
4
conditions, interest rate levels, and political events affect the securities markets. When the value of the Funds investments goes down, your investment in the Fund decreases in value and you could lose money.
Risks of Investing in Undervalued Securities . Undervalued securities are, by definition, out of favor with investors (meaning it has lost investors attention), and there is no way to predict when, if ever, the securities may return to favor.
Risk of Non-Diversification. The Fund is a non-diversified portfolio, which means that it has the ability to take larger positions in a smaller number of securities than a portfolio that is diversified. Non-diversification increases the risk that the value of the Fund could go down because of the poor performance of a single investment.
Risks of Investing in Investment Companies and ETFs . To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies, the Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses (such as operating expenses and advisory fees) that may be paid by certain of the investment companies in which it invests. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Fund bears in connection with its own operations. In addition, investments in other investment companies, including ETFs are subject to product specific risk and market risk. If the specific investments in which the investment company of ETF focuses its investments does not perform as expected, the value of the investment may decline. Similarly, to the extent the investment company or ETF is intended to replicate the performance of a particular index or benchmark and that index or benchmark does not perform as expected for any reason, the value of the investment in the investment company or ETF may decline.
When the Fund invests in other investment companies or ETFs, it will be subject to substantially the same risks as those associated with the direct ownership of securities comprising the underlying investment companies or ETFs or the index on which the other investment company or ETF is based and the value of the Funds investments will fluctuate in response to the performance and risks of the underlying investments or index.
Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) Risk. Master limited partnerships are generally considered interest-rate sensitive investments. During periods of interest rate volatility, these investments may not provide attractive returns. Depending on the state of interest rates in general, the use of MLPs could enhance or harm the overall performance of the Fund.
Repurchase Agreement Risk . The Funds investment in repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk with respect to the collateral securing the repurchase agreements. Investments in repurchase agreements also
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may be subject to the risk that the market value of the underlying obligations may decline prior to the expiration date of the repurchase agreement term.
Risks of Investing in Convertible Securities. Most convertible securities are subject to the risks and price fluctuations of the underlying stock. They may be subject to the risk that the issuer will not be able to pay interest or dividends when due and their market value may change based on changes in the issuers credit rating or the markets perception of the issuers creditworthiness.
Risk of Investing in REITs. REITs may be subject to certain risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate, including declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, and variations in rental income.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts . ADRs are dollar-denominated depositary receipts that typically are issued by a United States bank or trust company and represent the deposit with that bank or trust company of a security of a foreign issuer. Generally, ADRs are designed for trading on U.S. securities exchanges or other markets. ADRs may be sponsored or unsponsored. EDRs are issued in Europe and GDRs are issued throughout the world.
Although depositary receipts provide a convenient means to invest in non-U.S. securities, such investments involve risks generally similar to investments directly in foreign securities including the risk that there is often less publicly available information about foreign issuers, and there is the possibility of negative governmental actions and of political and social unrest. The issuers of unsponsored depositary receipts may not receive information from the foreign issuer, and it is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications or other information received from the foreign issuer of the deposited securities or to pass through voting rights to the holders of the depositary receipts. Additionally, although depositary receipts have risks similar to the securities that they represent, they may involve higher expenses, may trade at a discount (or premium) to the underlying security, may not pass through voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying securities listed on an exchange. To the extent that the Fund invests in issuers (or depositary receipts of issuers) located in emerging markets, the foreign securities risk may be heightened.
PERFORMANCE HISTORY
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Funds performance from year to year and by showing how the Funds average annual returns for the periods
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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 of the Fund. If sales charges were included, the returns would be lower. The 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 by calling toll-free 800-673-0550.
The following bar chart shows the Funds annual returns for the Class A shares of the Fund as of December 31, 2017. The performance of the Funds Class C shares and Advisor Class shares would have been different because the expenses of the Classes differ.
During the periods shown in the bar chart, the Class A Shares highest return for a calendar quarter was 14.96% (quarter ending 3/31/2012) and the Class A Shares lowest return for a calendar quarter was (14.86%) (quarter ending 9/30/2011).
Average Annual Total Returns for the Period Ended December 31, 2017
The table below shows how average annual total returns of the Funds Class A shares compared to those of the Funds benchmark. The table also presents the impact of taxes on the 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
7
arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After tax returns for the Class C and Advisor Class Shares will differ from those of the Class A Shares as the expenses of the Classes differ.
Return Before Taxes | 1 Year | 5 Years |
Since
Inception |
Class A Shares | 9.01% | 12.60% |
10.26%
(12/29/10) |
Class
A Shares
with maximum load of 5.75% |
2.74% | 11.27% |
9.33%
(12/29/10) |
Class C Shares | 8.22% | 11.77% |
9.54%
(04/14/11) |
Advisor Class Shares | 9.31% | N/A |
15.87%
(04/27/16) |
Return After Taxes Class A Shares | 1 Year | 5 Years |
Since
Inception (12/29/10) |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | 8.72% | 12.18% | 9.79% |
Return
After Taxes on Distributions
and Sale of Fund Shares |
5.28% | 10.12% | 8.16% |
Russell
1000 Value Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
13.67% | 14.04% | 12.46% |
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
Union Street Partners, LLC is the investment adviser to the Fund. McGinn Investment Management, Inc. is the sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Manager
Mr. Bernard F. McGinn, CFA, President of the sub-adviser, has served as the Portfolio Manager to the Fund since its inception in December 2010.
Mr. R. McCoy Penninger, CFA, Vice President of the sub-adviser, began serving as the assistant Portfolio Manager in February 2015.
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 (Union Street Partners Value Fund, 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235), by wire, or by telephone toll-free at 1-800-673-0550.
8
Purchases and redemptions by telephone are only permitted if you previously established this option on your account. The minimum initial purchase or exchange into the Fund is $2,500. Subsequent investments must be in amounts of $50 or more. The Fund may waive minimums for purchases or exchanges through employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Tax Information
The Funds distributions will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gain, 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 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.
9
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS
The Funds investment objective is capital appreciation. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest primarily in the equity securities of large cap U.S. companies. The Fund defines a large-cap company as one whose market cap is $5 billion or greater at the time of purchase. Equity securities consist of common stock, depositary receipts (including American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs and unsponsored depositary receipts), REITs, MLPs, and securities convertible into common stock, such as warrants, rights, convertible bonds, debentures and convertible preferred stocks. ADRs are receipts typically issued by an American bank or trust company that evidence underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs (issued in Europe) and GDRs (issued throughout the world) each evidence a similar ownership arrangement. MLPs are generally energy-related businesses and the Fund may invest in energy, real estate, and/or finance-related MLPs if the Adviser believes the business will deliver desirable returns.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in high quality money market instruments and repurchase agreements. Money market instruments may include commercial paper, asset-backed commercial paper, obligations issued by the U. S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities, and obligations issued by U.S. and foreign banks, such as certificates of deposit. Such money market instruments will be high quality (i.e., securities receiving one of the two highest ratings categories from a nationally recognized statistical ratings agency).
The Fund may also invest in shares of other registered investment companies, such as closed-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). ETFs, generally, are investment companies that seek to track the performance of a particular market index. These investment companies invest in securities that are consistent with the Funds investment objective and strategies. By investing in other investment companies, the Fund indirectly pays a portion of the expenses and brokerage costs of these companies as well as its own expenses. Also, federal securities laws impose limits on such investments, which may affect the ability of the Fund to purchase or sell these securities. Securities of other investment companies will be acquired by the Fund within the limits contained in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act).
The Sub-Adviser utilizes a value approach to investing in that it selects investments for the Fund based on its belief that stock prices fluctuate around the true value of a company. The Sub-Adviser analyzes valuation ratios and typically selects stocks with low ratios of price/earnings, price/cash flow, price/book value and price/dividend.
The Fund is non-diversified and will normally hold a core position of between 25 and 30 securities.
10
The Funds investment objective may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval. The Fund would seek to provide to its shareholders advance written notice of any material changes to the Funds objective.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT RISK
An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed and you may lose money by investing in the Fund. The Fund is not a complete investment program. The value of your investment will go up and down, which means you could lose money when you sell your shares. There are risks involved with any investment, but the principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:
Market Risk. The Fund is subject to market risk. Market risk is the possibility that, over short or long periods, stock prices will decline. Because stock prices tend to fluctuate, the value of your investment in the Fund may increase or decrease.
Risks of Investing in Undervalued Securities . Undervalued securities are, by definition, out of favor with investors, and there is no way to predict when, if ever, the securities may return to favor.
Risk of Non-Diversification . The Fund is non-diversified under the 1940 Act. However, because it intends to qualify as a regulated investment company for purposes of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), the Fund must meet certain diversification requirements. These include the requirement that at the end of each tax year quarter, at least 50% of the market value of its total assets must be invested in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and securities of issuers (including foreign governments), in which it has invested not more than 5% of its assets. A regulated investment company is also limited in its purchases of voting securities of any issuer and may invest no more than 25% of the value of its total assets in securities (other than U.S. government securities) of any one issuer or of two or more issuers that the Fund controls and are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses. An investment in a non-diversified fund may entail greater price risk than an investment in a diversified fund. The Fund will be subject to substantially more investment risk and potential for volatility than a diversified fund because the poor performance of an individual security in the Funds portfolio will have a greater negative impact on the Funds performance than if the Funds assets were diversified among a larger number of portfolio securities.
Stock Selection Risk. Like all managed funds, there is a risk that the Sub-Advisers strategy for managing the Fund may not achieve the desired results. The
11
portfolio securities selected by the Sub-Adviser may decline in value or not increase in value when the stock market in general is rising and may fail to meet the Funds investment objective. In addition, the prices of common stocks move up and down in response to corporate earnings and developments, economic and market conditions and anticipated events. Individual issuers may report poor results or be negatively affected by industry and/or economic trends and developments. The Funds investment success depends on the skill of the Sub-Adviser in evaluating, selecting and monitoring the portfolio assets. If the Sub-Advisers conclusions about growth rates or securities values are incorrect, the Fund may not perform as anticipated.
Risk of Investing in REITs . The Fund may invest in REITs. REITs may be subject to certain risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate, including declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, and variations in rental income. Generally, increases in interest rates will decrease the value of high yielding securities and increase the costs of obtaining financing, which could decrease the value of the REITs held in the Funds portfolio. REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for the tax-free pass- through of income under the Internal Revenue Code and to maintain their exemption from registration under the 1940 Act.
Risk of Investing in MLPs . The Fund may invest in MLPs. MLPs are limited partnerships in which the ownership units are publicly traded. MLP units are registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and are freely traded on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market. MLPs often own several properties or businesses (or own interests) that are related to oil and gas industries or other natural resources, but they also may finance other projects. To the extent that an MLPs interests are all in a particular industry, the MLP will be negatively impacted by economic events adversely impacting that industry. The risks of investing in a MLP are generally those involved in investing in a partnership as opposed to a corporation. For example, state law governing partnerships is often less restrictive than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded to investors in a MLP than investors in a corporation. In addition, MLPs may be subject to state taxation in certain jurisdictions which will have the effect of reducing the amount of income paid by the MLP to its investors.
Repurchase Agreement Risk . The Funds investment in repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk with respect to the collateral securing the repurchase agreements. Investments in repurchase agreements also may be subject to the risk that the market value of the underlying obligations may decline prior to the expiration date of the repurchase agreement term.
12
Risks of Investing in Convertible Securities. Most convertible securities are subject to the risks and price fluctuations of the underlying stock. They may be subject to the risk that the issuer will not be able to pay interest or dividends when due and their market value may change based on changes in the issuers credit rating or the markets perception of the issuers creditworthiness.
Risk of Investing in Investment Companies and ETFs . The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. By investing in other investment companies, the Fund indirectly pays a portion of the expenses and brokerage costs of these companies as well as its own expenses. Also, federal securities laws impose limits on such investments, which may affect the ability of the Fund to purchase or sell these shares. Because the value of ETF shares depends on the demand in the market, shares may trade at a discount or premium to net asset value and the Sub-Adviser may not be able to liquidate the Funds holdings at the most optimal time, which may result in a loss.
When the Fund invests in other investment companies or ETFs, it will be subject to substantially the same risks as those associated with the direct ownership of securities comprising the underlying investment companies or ETFS or the index on which the other investment company or ETF is based and the value of the Funds investments will fluctuate in response to the performance and risks of the underlying investments or index.
Because the Fund is not required to hold shares of ETFs and underlying funds for any minimum period, it may be subject to, and may have to pay, short-term redemption fees imposed by the underlying funds. ETFs are subject to additional risks such as the fact that the market price of its shares may trade above or below its net asset value or an active market may not develop. The Fund has no control over the investments and related risks taken by the underlying funds in which it invests. The Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations adopted under that statute impose conditions on investment companies which invest in other investment companies, and as a result, the Fund is generally restricted on the amount of shares of another investment company to shares amounting to no more than 3% of the outstanding voting shares of such other investment company.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts . ADRs are dollar-denominated depositary receipts that typically are issued by a United States bank or trust company and represent the deposit with that bank or trust company of a security of a foreign issuer. Generally, ADRs are designed for trading on U.S. securities exchanges or other markets. ADRs may be sponsored or unsponsored. EDRs are issued in Europe and GDRs are issued throughout the world.
13
Although depositary receipts provide a convenient means to invest in non-U.S. securities, such investments involve risks generally similar to investments directly in foreign securities including the risk that there is often less publicly available information about foreign issuers, and there is the possibility of negative governmental actions and of political and social unrest. The issuers of unsponsored depositary receipts may not receive information from the foreign issuer, and it is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications or other information received from the foreign issuer of the deposited securities or to pass through voting rights to the holders of the depositary receipts. Additionally, although depositary receipts have risks similar to the securities that they represent, they may involve higher expenses, may trade at a discount (or premium) to the underlying security, may not pass through voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying securities listed on an exchange. To the extent that the Fund invests in issuers (or depositary receipts of issuers) located in emerging markets, the foreign securities risk may be heightened.
Temporary Defensive Position . The investments and strategies described in this prospectus are those that the Fund uses under normal conditions. The Fund may take temporary defensive positions in attempting to respond to adverse market conditions. The Fund may invest any amount of its assets in cash or money market instruments in a defensive posture when the Sub-Adviser believes it is advisable to do so. Although taking a defensive posture is designed to protect the Fund from an anticipated market downturn, it could have the effect of reducing the benefit from any upswing in the market. When the Fund takes a defensive position, it may not achieve its investment objective.
MANAGEMENT
The Investment Adviser And Sub-Adviser
The Funds investment adviser is Union Street Partners, LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware and whose address is 1421 Prince Street, Suite 400 Alexandria, VA 22314. The Adviser serves in this capacity pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Trust with respect to the Fund. Subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (Trustees), the Adviser provides guidance and policy direction in connection with its daily management of the Funds assets. The Adviser is also responsible for the selection of broker-dealers for executing portfolio transactions, subject to the brokerage policies established by the Trustees, and the provision of certain executive personnel to the Fund. Union Street Partners, LLC was organized in December, 2010 and is owned by Shawn P. McLaughlin and McGinn Investment Management, Inc. As of December 31, 2017, the Adviser had approximately $29 million assets under management.
14
For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2017, the Adviser earned an aggregate fee of 1.00% of the Funds average daily net assets for investment advisory services performed, of which 0.27% was waived pursuant to the expense limitation agreement.
The Adviser has entered into a written expense limitation agreement under which it has agreed to limit the total expenses of the Fund (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) to an annual rate of 1.35% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. The Adviser may not terminate this expense limitation agreement prior to January 31, 2019.
Each waiver or reimbursement of an expense by the Adviser is subject to repayment by the Fund within three fiscal years following the fiscal year in which the expense was incurred, provided that the Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the expense limitation in place at the time of the waiver or reimbursement and at the time the waiver or reimbursement is recouped.
McGinn Investment Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation, whose address is 277 S. Washington Street, Suite 340, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, serves as the Sub-Adviser to the Fund. McGinn Investment Management, Inc. was incorporated in 1992 and is majority owned by Bernard F. McGinn. As of December 31, 2017, the Sub-Adviser had approximately $84 million assets under management.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory agreement and sub-advisory agreement for the Fund is available in the Funds semi-annual report for the period ending March 31, 017 and will also be available in the Funds semi-annual report for the period ending March 31, 2018.
The Portfolio Managers
Since the Funds inception on December 29, 2010, Mr. Bernard McGinn, CFA, has been primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. Mr. McGinn is Chief Investment Officer of the Adviser and Chief Investment Officer of the Sub-Adviser.
Mr. R. McCoy Penninger, CFA, joined the Sub-Adviser in 2010. Mr. Penninger has served as the assistant Portfolio Manager to the Fund since February 2015. He holds an M.B.A. from the George Washington University and a B.A. in Economics from Sewanee: The University of the South. Mr. Penninger is a Partner and Vice President of the Sub-Adviser.
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The Funds SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers compensation, other assets managed by the portfolio managers, 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 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 Class A Shares and a Distribution and Service Plan for the Funds Class C Shares (collectively, the 12b-1 Plans) in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Pursuant to the 12b-1 Plans, 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 each class is computed on an annualized basis reflecting the average daily net assets of a class, up to a maximum of 0.25% for Class A share expenses and 1.00% for Class C Share expenses. With respect to Class C Shares, 0.75% represents 12b-1 distribution fees and 0.25% represents shareholder servicing fees paid to institutions that have agreements with the Distributor to provide such services. Because these fees are paid out of a classs 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.
Shareholder Servicing Plan
The Fund has adopted a shareholder service plan. Under a shareholder services plan, the Fund may pay an authorized firm up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of average daily net assets attributable to its customers who are shareholders. For this fee, the authorized firms may provide a variety of services, such as: 1) receiving and processing shareholder orders; 2) performing the accounting for the shareholders account; 3) maintaining retirement plan accounts; 4) answering questions and handling correspondence for individual accounts; 5) acting as the sole shareholder of record for individual shareholders; 6) issuing shareholder reports and transaction confirmations; 7) executing daily investment sweep functions; and 8) furnishing investment advisory services.
Because the Fund has adopted the shareholder services plan to compensate authorized firms for providing the types of services described above, the Fund
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believes the shareholder services plan is not covered by Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which relates to payment of distribution fees. The Fund, however, follows the procedural requirements of Rule 12b-1 in connection with the implementation and administration of each shareholder services plan.
An authorized firm generally represents in a service agreement used in connection with the shareholder services plan that all compensation payable to the authorized firm from its customers in connection with the investment of their assets in the Fund will be disclosed by the authorized firm to its customers. It also generally provides that all such compensation will be authorized by the authorized firms customers.
The Fund does not monitor the actual services being performed by an authorized firm under the plan and related service agreement. The Fund also does not monitor the reasonableness of the total compensation that an authorized firm may receive, including any service fee that an authorized firm may receive from the Fund and any compensation the authorized firm may receive directly from its clients.
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.
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.
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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 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 toll-free (800) 673-0550. Financial Intermediaries 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. The Fund will be deemed to have received your purchase or redemption order when the Financial Intermediary receives the order. Such Financial Intermediaries are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on the Funds behalf.
Certain Financial Intermediaries may have agreements with the Fund that allow them to enter confirmed purchase and redemption orders on behalf of clients and customers. Under this arrangement, the Financial Intermediary must send your payment to the Fund by the time the Fund prices its shares on the following business day.
The Fund is not responsible for ensuring that a Financial Intermediary carries out its obligations. You should look to the Financial Intermediary through whom you wish to invest for specific instructions on how to purchase or redeem shares of the Fund.
Minimum Investments . The minimum initial investment for Class A, Class C, and Advisor Class Shares is $2,500. Subsequent investments must be in amounts of $50 or more. 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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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 net asset value (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 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 toll-free at (800) 673-0550 or the Transfer Agent toll- free 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
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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 toll-free at (800) 673-0550 or the Transfer Agent toll-free 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 toll-free at (800) 673-0550 or by contacting the Transfer Agent, at 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235 or by telephoning toll-free (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 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 Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests through cash holdings or cash equivalents and anticipates using these types of holdings on a regular basis. The Fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds for shares redeemed within the following days after receipt by the transfer agent of a redemption request in proper form: (i) for payment by check, the Fund typically expects to mail the check within two business days; and (ii) for payment by wire or ACH, the Fund typically expects to process the payment within two business days. Payment of redemption proceeds may take up to 7 days as permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under unusual circumstances as permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), the Fund may suspend the right of redemption or delay payment of redemption proceeds for more than 7 days. When shares are purchased by check or through ACH, the proceeds from the redemption of those shares will not be paid until the purchase check or ACH transfer has been converted to federal funds, which could take up to 15 calendar days.
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To the extent cash holdings or cash equivalents are not available to meet redemption requests, the Fund will meet redemption requests by either (i) rebalancing their overweight securities or (ii) selling portfolio assets. In addition, if the Fund determine that it would be detrimental to the best interest of the Funds remaining shareholders to make payment in cash, the Fund may pay redemption proceeds in whole or in part by a distribution-in-kind of readily marketable securities.
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: Union Street Partners Value 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 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 toll-free 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 toll-free at (800) 628-4077. There is no charge to shareholders for redemptions by telephone. 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
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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. There is no fee for redemptions by wire.
Small Account Balances. If the value of your account falls below the minimum account balance of $2,500, the Fund may ask you to increase your balance. If the account value is still below the minimum balance after 60 days, the Fund may close your account and send you the proceeds. The Fund will not close your account if it falls below this amount solely as a result of Fund performance. Please check with your financial intermediary concerning required minimum account balances. You should note that should such a redemption occur with regards to a non-retirement account, such redemption would be subject to taxation. Please refer to the section entitled Dividends, Distributions and Taxes below.
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 typically expects to satisfy requests by using holdings of cash or cash equivalents or selling portfolio assets. On a less regular basis, and if the Adviser believes it is in the best interest of a Fund and its shareholders not to sell portfolio assets, the Fund may satisfy redemption requests by using short-term borrowing from the Funds custodian to the extent such arrangements are in place with the custodian. These methods normally will be used during both regular and stressed market conditions. In addition to paying redemption proceeds in cash, the Fund reserves the right to make payment for a redemption in securities rather than cash, which is known as a redemption in kind. While the Fund does not intend, under normal circumstances, to redeem its shares by payment in kind, it is possible that conditions may arise in the future which would, in the opinion of the Trustees, make it undesirable for a Fund to pay for all redemptions in cash. In such a case, the Trustees may authorize payment to be made in readily marketable portfolio securities of a Fund. Securities delivered in payment of redemptions would be valued at the same value assigned to them in computing a Funds net asset value per share. Shareholders receiving them may incur brokerage costs when these securities are sold and will be subject to market risk until such securities are sold. An irrevocable election has been filed under Rule 18f-1 of the 1940 Act, wherein the Fund must pay redemptions in cash, rather than in kind, to any shareholder of record of the Fund who redeems during any 90-day
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period, the lesser of (a) $250,000 or (b) 1% of the Funds net asset value at the beginning of such period. Redemption requests in excess of this limit may be satisfied in cash or in kind at a Funds election.
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.
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.
Automatic Investment Plan. Existing shareholders, who wish to make regular monthly investments in amounts of $100 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 this service, you must authorize the transfer of
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funds by completing the Automatic Investment Plan section of the account application and sending a blank voided check.
Exchange Privilege . To the extent the Adviser manages other funds in the Trust, 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 managed by the Adviser having different investment objectives, provided that the shares of the fund you are exchanging into are registered for sale in your state of residence. An exchange is treated as a redemption and purchase and will generally 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. As of the date of this prospectus, the Adviser does not manage any other funds in the Trust.
Frequent purchases and redemptions (Frequent Trading) (as discussed below) 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 toll-free at (800) 628-4077.
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.
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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 toll-free at (800) 673-0550.
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 annually by the Fund. The Fund intends to distribute annually any net capital gains.
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 generally disadvantageous for you 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.
Taxes. In general, Fund distributions are taxable to you as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gain. This is true whether you reinvest your distributions in additional shares of the Fund or receive them in cash. Any long-term capital gain 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 gain 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 gain. 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
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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 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
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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 investments and other assets attributable to the Funds Class A, Class C and Advisor Class shares, subtracting any liabilities attributable to the applicable class and then dividing by the total number of the applicable classes shares outstanding. Due to the fact that different expenses may be charged against shares of different classes of the Fund, the NAV of the different classes may vary.
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. 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.
The Funds securities are valued at current market prices. Investments in securities traded on 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. Other assets for which market prices are not readily available are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith by the administrator, in consultation with the Adviser, under procedures set by the Board. Generally, trading in corporate bonds, U.S. government securities and money market instruments is substantially completed
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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. Since most of the Funds investments are traded on U.S. securities exchanges, it is anticipated that the use of fair value pricing will be limited.
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.
Share Class Alternatives The Fund offers investors three different classes of shares through this prospectus. The different classes of shares represent investments in the same portfolio of securities, but the classes are subject to different expenses and may have different share prices and minimum investment requirements. When you buy shares be sure to specify the class of shares in which you choose to invest. Because each share class has a different combination of sales charges, expenses and other features, you should consult your financial adviser to determine which class best meets your financial objectives.
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 sectors may be more volatile than investments across broader ranges of industries as sector-specific market or
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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 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 if, as a result of this monitoring, the Fund believes that a shareholder has engaged in frequent trading, it may, in its discretion, ask the shareholder to stop such activities or refuse to process purchases in the shareholders accounts. 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. To minimize harm to the Fund and its shareholders, the Fund reserves the right to reject any exchange or purchase of Fund shares with or without prior notice to the account holder. In the event the foregoing purchase and redemption patterns occur, it shall be the policy of the Trust that the shareholders account and any other account with the Fund under the same taxpayer identification number shall be precluded from investing in the Fund (including investment that are part of an exchange transaction) for such time period as the Trust deems appropriate based on the facts and circumstances (including, without limitation, the dollar amount involved and whether the Investor has been precluded from investing in the Fund before); provided that such time period shall be at least 30 calendar days after the last redemption transaction. The above policies shall not apply if the Trust determines that a purchase and redemption pattern is not a Frequent Trading pattern or is the result of inadvertent trading errors.
These policies and procedures will be applied uniformly to all shareholders and, subject to certain permissible exceptions as described above, the Fund will not accommodate abusive Frequent Trading. The policies also 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
29
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 that may require sharing of information about you and your account, 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 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.
Because complete information about sales loads for the various classes is presented here in the Prospectus, it is not provided additional on the on any website.
30
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 | |||||||
Amount
of purchase at the public
offering price |
Offering
Price (1) |
Net amount
invested |
Discount as
a
percentage of offering price |
||||
Less than $50,000 | 5.75% | 6.10% | 5.00% | ||||
$50,000 but less than $100,000 | 4.50% | 4.71% | 3.75% | ||||
$100,000 but less than $250,000 | 3.50% | 3.63% | 2.75% | ||||
$250,000 but less than $500,000 | 2.50% | 2.56% | 2.00% | ||||
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 | 2.00% | 2.04% | 1.75% | ||||
$1,000,000 or more | See below (2) | See below (2) | See below (2) |
(1)
The
term Offering Price includes the front-end sales charge.
|
(2)
If
you are in a category of investors who may purchase Class A Shares without paying
a front-end sales charge, you will be subject to a 1.00% deferred sales charge if
you redeem your shares less than 1 year of purchase. Shares acquired through reinvestment
of dividends or capital gain distributions are not subject to a front-end or deferred
sales charge. In addition, the deferred sales charge on shares purchased without
the payment of a front-end sales charge and redeemed within 1 year of purchase may
be waived in certain circumstances. The deferred sales charge on redemptions of
shares is computed based on a percentage of the NAV at the time the shares were
purchased, net of reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions. The deferred
sales charge would equal 1.00% of the offering price and of the net amount invested.
In determining whether to charge a deferred sales charge, the Fund will assume that
you have redeemed shares on which there is no deferred sales charge first and then
shares in the order of purchase.
|
31
For accounts that are subject to a deferred sales charge, the Fund will use the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method to determine the 1 year holding period. Under this method, the date of the redemption will be compared to the earliest purchase date of shares held in the account. If this holding period is less than 1 year, the deferred sales charge will be assessed. The deferred sales charge will be applied on redemptions of each investment made by a shareholder that does not remain in the Fund for a 1 year period from the date of purchase.
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers
The Fund reserves the right to waive the deferred sales charge on certain Class A Shares in order to qualify the Fund for inclusion in brokerage platforms, wrap programs and fund supermarkets. If you are in a category of investors who purchase Class A Shares through such programs, you will be subject to a 1.00% redemption fee if you redeem your shares less than 1 year after you purchase them. If this fee is imposed it would raise the expenses of your shares. Such fees, when imposed, are credited directly to the assets of the Fund to help defray the expenses to the Fund of short- term trading activities. These fees are never used to pay distribution or sales fees or expenses. The redemption fee will not be assessed on certain types of accounts or under certain conditions.
Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions are not subject to a front-end or redemption fee. In addition, the redemption fee on shares purchased without the payment of a front- end sales charge and redeemed within 1 year of purchase may be waived in certain circumstances. The redemption fee is computed based on a percentage of the NAV at the time the shares were purchased, net of reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions. The redemption fee would equal 1.00% of the offering price and of the net amount invested.
To receive a reduction or waiver of your initial sales charge, you or your financial consultant must notify the Funds transfer agent or your 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
32
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.
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).
33
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;
|
|
(3) |
purchases
of Fund shares made by current or former directors, officers or employees, or agents
of the Trust, the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser, the distributor, and by members of
their immediate families and employees (including immediate family members) of a
broker-dealer distributing Fund shares;
|
|
(4) |
purchases
of Fund shares by the Funds distributor for their own investment account and
for investment purposes only;
|
|
(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;
|
|
(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;
|
|
(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;
|
|
(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;
|
|
(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
|
|
(10) |
the purchase
of Fund shares, if available, through certain third- party fund supermarkets.
Some fund supermarkets may offer Fund shares
|
34
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 toll-free at (800) 673-0550. All account information is subject to acceptance and verification by the Funds Distributor.
Class C Shares
Deferred Sales Charge Class C Shares are sold without an initial front-end sales charge so that the full amount of your purchase is invested. A deferred sales charge of 1.00% is applied if your Class C Shares are sold within one year and is paid to the distributor.
Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions are not subject to a deferred sales charge. In addition, the deferred sales charge may be waived in certain circumstances. The deferred sales charge is a percentage of the net asset value at the time of purchase. Class C Shares are subject to a Distribution (12b-1) and Service Fee as described below under Rule 12b-1 Fees.
Waiver of Deferred Sales Charge
The deferred sales charge on Class C Shares is waived for:
(1) | certain post-retirement withdrawals from an IRA or other retirement plan if you are over 70½; | ||
(2) | redemptions by certain eligible 401(a) and 401(k) plans and certain retirement plan rollovers; | ||
(3) | withdrawals resulting from shareholder death or disability provided that the redemption is requested within one year of death or disability; and | ||
(4) | withdrawals through Systematic Monthly Investment (systematic withdrawal plan). |
Additional information regarding the waiver of sales charges may be obtained by calling the Trust toll-free at (800) 673-0550. All account information is subject to acceptance and verification by the Funds Distributor.
35
Advisor Class Shares
Advisor Class Shares do not charge a front end or deferred sales load and have no Rule 12b-1 fees.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the Funds Class A, Class C and Advisor Class Shares financial performance for the period of each Fund Class Shares operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Class 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 financial highlights for the period presented have been audited by Cohen & Company, Ltd., the Funds independent registered public accounting firm, whose unqualified report thereon, along with the Funds financial statements, are included in the Funds Annual Report to Shareholders (the Annual Report) and are incorporated by reference into the SAI. Additional performance information for the Fund is included in the Annual Report. The Annual Report and the SAI are available at no cost from the Fund at the address and telephone number noted on the back page of this prospectus. The following information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto.
36
UNION STREET PARTNERS VALUE FUND |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA THROUGHOUT EACH YEAR |
Class A | ||||||||||||||||||||
Year ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ | 14.82 | $ | 13.75 | $ | 15.04 | $ | 12.95 | $ | 10.44 | ||||||||||
Investment activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) (1) |
0.06 | 0.10 | 0.09 | 0.10 | 0.06 | |||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
||||||||||||||||||||
on investments |
2.26 | 1.31 | (1.08 | ) | 2.27 | 2.53 | ||||||||||||||
Total from investment activities |
2.32 | 1.41 | (0.99 | ) | 2.37 | 2.59 | ||||||||||||||
Distributions | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
(0.08 | ) | (0.08 | ) | (0.10 | ) | - | (0.08 | ) | |||||||||||
Net realized gain |
(0.34 | ) | (0.26 | ) | (0.20 | ) | (0.28 | ) | - | (A) | ||||||||||
Total distributions |
(0.42 | ) | (0.34 | ) | (0.30 | ) | (0.28 | ) | (0.08 | ) | ||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year | $ | 16.72 | $ | 14.82 | $ | 13.75 | $ | 15.04 | $ | 12.95 | ||||||||||
Total Return | 15.64% | 10.36% | (6.70% | ) | 18.45% | 24.92% | ||||||||||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio to average net assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses, gross |
1.92% | 2.10 | % | 1.99% | 2.10% | 2.43% | ||||||||||||||
Expenses, net of fee waivers and reimbursements |
1.69% | 1.75 | % | 1.75% | 1.75% | 1.75% | ||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
0.37% | 0.73 | % | 0.62% | 0.71% | 0.50% | ||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 9.03% | 19.75 | % | 11.11% | 6.90% | 10.43% | ||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of year (000s) | $ | 5,809 | $ | 4,827 | $ | 11,665 | $ | 12,932 | $ | 11,358 |
(1) Per share amounts calculated using the average number of shares outstanding throughout the year.
(A) Less than $0.01 per share
37
UNION STREET PARTNERS VALUE FUND |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA THROUGHOUT EACH YEAR |
Class C | ||||||||||||||||||||
Year ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ | 14.42 | $ | 13.41 | $ | 14.69 | $ | 12.75 | $ | 10.33 | ||||||||||
Investment activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) (1) |
(0.06 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.02 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
||||||||||||||||||||
on investments |
2.19 | 1.28 | (1.05 | ) | 2.23 | 2.51 | ||||||||||||||
Total from investment activities |
2.13 | 1.27 | (1.07 | ) | 2.22 | 2.48 | ||||||||||||||
Distributions | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
- | (A) | - | (0.01 | ) | - | (0.06 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net realized gain |
(0.34 | ) | (0.26 | ) | (0.20 | ) | (0.28 | ) | - | (A) | ||||||||||
Total distributions |
(0.34 | ) | (0.26 | ) | (0.21 | ) | (0.28 | ) | (0.06 | ) | ||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year | $ | 16.21 | $ | 14.42 | $ | 13.41 | $ | 14.69 | $ | 12.75 | ||||||||||
Total Return | 14.78% | 9.56% | (7.39% | ) | 17.55% | 24.10% | ||||||||||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio to average net assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses, gross |
2.69% | 2.85% | 2.74% | 2.85% | 3.18% | |||||||||||||||
Expenses, net of fee waivers and reimbursements |
2.44% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | |||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
(0.38% | ) | (0.10% | ) | (0.13% | ) | (0.04% | ) | (0.25% | ) | ||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 9.03% | 19.75% | 11.11% | 6.90% | 10.43% | |||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of year (000s) | $ | 11,838 | $ | 9,960 | $ | 8,431 | $ | 8,422 | $ | 5,334 |
(A) Per share amounts calculated using the average number of shares outstanding throughout the year.
(A) Less than $0.01 per share
38
UNION STREET PARTNERS VALUE FUND |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD |
Advisor Class | ||||||||
Period | ||||||||
April 27, 2016* | ||||||||
Year ended | through | |||||||
September 30, 2017 | September 30, 2016 | |||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 14.85 | $ | 14.48 | ||||
Investment activities | ||||||||
Net investment income (loss) (1) |
0.10 | 0.03 | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
||||||||
on investments |
2.25 | 0.34 | ||||||
Total from investment activities |
2.35 | 0.37 | ||||||
Distributions | ||||||||
Net investment income |
(0.16 | ) | - | |||||
Net realized gain |
(0.34 | ) | - | |||||
Total distributions |
(0.50 | ) | - | |||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 16.70 | $ | 14.85 | ||||
Total Return | 15.84% | 2.56% | *** | |||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data | ||||||||
Ratio to average net assets | ||||||||
Expenses, gross |
1.74% | 1.85% | ** | |||||
Expenses, net of fee waivers and reimbursements |
1.44% | 1.50% | ** | |||||
Net investment income (loss) |
0.62% | 0.50% | ** | |||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 9.03% | 19.75% | *** | |||||
Net assets, end of period (000s) | $ | 9,159 | $ | 7,699 |
(1)
Per share amounts calculated using the
average number of shares outstanding throughout the period.
*
Commencement of operations
**
Annualized
***
Not Annualized
39
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 January 30, 2018, 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 Funds website at www.unionstreetvaluefund.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)
40
UNION STREET PARTNERS
VALUE FUND
8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205
Richmond, Virginia 23235
(800) 673-0550
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Class A Shares (USPVX)
Class C Shares (USPCX)
Advisor Class Shares (USPFX)
Investment Adviser:
Union
Street Partners, LLC
Investment Sub-Adviser:
McGinn Investment Management, Inc.
January 29, 2018
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the current prospectus dated January 29, 2018 of the Union Street Partners Value Fund (the Fund), as it may be supplemented or revised from time to time. This SAI incorporates the Funds annual report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 (the Annual Report).
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 toll-free (800) 673-0550.
TABLE OF CONTENTS | Page |
THE TRUST | 1 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES | 1 |
DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS | 1 |
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS | 12 |
INVESTMENT ADVISER AND SUB - ADVISER | 14 |
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS | 15 |
SERVICE PROVIDERS | 17 |
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST | 19 |
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SECURITIES HOLDERS | 25 |
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE | 26 |
DISTRIBUTION | 26 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PURCHASES AND SALES | 28 |
ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES | 30 |
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES | 30 |
TAXES | 31 |
BROKER ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES | 41 |
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES HOLDINGS | 43 |
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST | 45 |
PROXY VOTING | 46 |
CODE OF ETHICS | 47 |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 48 |
EXHIBIT A (PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF MCGINN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC) | 49 |
EXHIBIT B (PROXY VOTING POLICIES OF WORLD FUNDS TRUST) | 54 |
EXHIBIT C (NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHARTER | 56 |
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 each fund 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, brokerage costs, 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 prospectuses for the Fund, and should be read in conjunction with the applicable prospectuses. This SAI is incorporated by reference into the Funds prospectuses. No investment in shares should be made without reading the prospectus. The Fund is a separate investment portfolio or series of the Trust.
Description of Multiple Classes of Shares . The Trust is authorized to issue three classes of shares: Class A Shares imposing a front-end sales charge up to a maximum of 5.75% and charging a 0.25% 12b-1 fee, Class C Shares imposing no front-end sales charge, imposing a deferred sales charge of 1.00% if shares are redeemed within 1 year after purchase and charging a 1.00% 12b-1 and service fee, and Advisor Class Shares imposing no front-end or deferred sales charges and no 12b-1 fee.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The Funds investment objective and principal investment strategies are described in the prospectus. The Fund is a non-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 Sub-Adviser makes purchases and sales for the Funds portfolio whenever necessary, in the Sub-Advisers opinion, to meet the Funds objective. During the Funds most recent fiscal period, the Funds portfolio turnover rate was 9.03% of the average value of its portfolio.
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.
Common Stocks . The Fund may invest in common stocks. Common stocks represent units of ownership in a company. Common stocks usually carry voting rights and earn dividends. Unlike preferred stocks, which are described below, dividends on common stocks are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of the companys board of directors.
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Preferred Stock . The Fund may invest in preferred stock, which is a class of capital stock that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of assets. Preferred stock does not ordinarily carry voting rights.
Most preferred stock is cumulative; if dividends are passed (not paid for any reason), they accumulate and must be paid before common dividends. A passed dividend on non-cumulative preferred stock is generally gone forever. Participating preferred stock entitles its holders to share in profits above and beyond the declared dividend, along with common shareholders, as distinguished from non-participating preferred, which is limited to the stipulated dividend.
Adjustable rate preferred stock pays a dividend that is adjustable, usually quarterly, based on changes in the Treasury bill rate or other money market rates.
Convertible Securities . The Fund may invest in convertible securities and considers such securities to be equity securities for purposes of its investment strategies. Traditional convertible securities include corporate bonds, notes and preferred stocks that may be converted into or exchanged for common stock, and other securities that also provide an opportunity for equity participation. These securities are convertible either at a stated price or a stated rate (that is, for a specific number of shares of common stock or other security). As with other fixed income securities, the price of a convertible security generally varies inversely with interest rates. While providing a fixed income stream, a convertible security also affords the investor an opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation of the common stock into which it is convertible. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis and so 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 price of a convertible security tends to rise as a reflection of higher yield or capital appreciation. In such situations, the Fund may have to pay more for a convertible security than the value of the underlying common stock.
Warrants . The Fund may invest in warrants and considers such securities to be equity securities for purposes of its investment strategies. Warrants are options to purchase equity securities at a specific price for a specific period of time. They do not represent ownership of the securities, but only the right to buy them. Warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The value of warrants is derived solely from capital appreciation of the underlying equity securities. Warrants differ from call options in that the underlying corporation issues warrants, whereas call options may be written by anyone.
Illiquid Securities . The Fund may hold up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. For this purpose, the term illiquid securities means securities that cannot be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount which the Fund has valued the securities. Illiquid securities include generally, among other things, certain written over-the-counter options, securities or other liquid assets as cover for such options, repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days, certain loan participation interests and other securities whose disposition is restricted under the federal securities laws.
Debt Securities . The Fund may hold cash or debt obligations denominated in U.S. dollars or foreign currencies. The Fund may invest in high quality money market instruments and repurchase agreements. Such securities include obligations of governments, instrumentalities and corporations. The high quality money market securities in which the Fund may invest will be rated at the time of purchase in the top two ratings categories by Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys), or by Standard & Poors Rating Group (S&P), or will be determined to be of equivalent quality by the Funds Sub-Adviser.
Debentures . The Fund may invest in debentures, which are general debt obligations backed only by the integrity of the borrower and documented by an agreement called an indenture. An unsecured bond is a debenture.
Strategic Transactions . The Fund may utilize a variety of investment strategies to hedge various market risks (such as interest rates, currency exchange rates, and broad specific equity or fixed-income market movements). Such strategies are generally accepted as modern portfolio management and are regularly utilized by many mutual funds and institutional investors. Techniques and instruments may change over time as new instruments and strategies develop and regulatory changes occur.
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In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, the Fund may purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on securities, fixed-income indices and other financial instruments, purchase and sell financial futures contracts and options thereon, enter into various interest rate transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or collars, and enter into various currency transactions such as currency forward contracts, currency futures contracts, currency swaps or options on currencies or currency futures (collectively, all the above are called Strategic Transactions).
When conducted outside the United States, Strategic Transactions may not be regulated as rigorously as they are in the United States, may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities, currencies and other instruments. The value of such positions could also be adversely affected by: (1) other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors, (2) lesser availability than in the United States of data on which to make trading decisions, (3) delays in the Funds ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the United States, (4) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States, and (5) lower trading volume and liquidity.
Options . The Fund may purchase and sell options as described herein.
a) Put and Call Options. A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium, the right to sell, and the writer the obligation to buy, the underlying security, commodity, index, currency or other instrument at the exercise price. The Fund may purchase a put option on a security to protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in some cases, a similar instrument) against a substantial decline in market value by giving the Fund the right to sell such instrument at the option exercise price. Such protection is, of course, only provided during the life of the put option when the Fund is able to sell the underlying security at the put exercise price regardless of any decline in the underlying securitys market price. By using put options in this manner, the Fund will reduce any profit it might otherwise have realized in its underlying security by the premium paid for the put option and by transaction costs.
A call option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the seller the obligation to sell, the underlying instrument at the exercise price. The Funds purchase of a call option on a security, financial future, index, currency or other instrument might be intended to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of the underlying instrument.
When writing a covered call option, the Fund, in return for the premium, gives up the opportunity to profit from a market increase in the underlying security above the exercise price, but conversely retains the risk of loss should the price of the security decline. If a call option which the Fund has written expires, it will realize a gain in the amount of the premium; however, such gain may be offset by a decline in the market value of the underlying security during the option period. If the call option is exercised, the Fund will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security.
The premium received is the market value of an option. The premium the Fund will receive from writing a call option, or, which it will pay when purchasing a put option, will reflect, among other things, the current market price of the underlying security, the relationship of the exercise price to such market price, the historical price volatility of the underlying security, the length of the option period, the general supply and demand for credit conditions, and the general interest rate environment. The premium received by the Fund for writing covered call options will be recorded as a liability in its statement of assets and liabilities. This liability will be adjusted daily to the options current market value, which will be the latest sale price at the time at which the Funds net asset value (NAV) per share is computed (currently, the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)), or, in the absence of such sale, the latest asked price. The liability will be extinguished upon expiration of the option, the purchase of an identical option in a closing transaction, or delivery of the underlying security upon the exercise of the option.
The premium paid by the Fund when purchasing a put option will be recorded as an asset in its statement of assets and liabilities. This asset will be adjusted daily to the options current market value, which will be the latest sale price at the time at which the Funds NAV per share is computed, or, in the absence of such sale, the latest bid price. The asset will be extinguished upon expiration of the option, the selling (writing) of an identical option in a closing transaction, or the delivery of the underlying security upon the exercise of the option.
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The purchase of a put option will constitute a short sale for federal tax purposes. The purchase of a put at a time when the substantially identical security held long has not exceeded the long term capital gain holding period could have adverse tax consequences. The holding period of the long position will be cut off so that even if the security held long is delivered to close the put, short term gain will be recognized. If substantially identical securities are purchased to close the put, the holding period of the securities purchased will not begin until the closing date. The holding period of the substantially identical securities not delivered to close the short sale will commence on the closing of the short sale.
The Fund will purchase a call option only to close out a covered call option it has written. It will write a put option only to close out a put option it has purchased. Such closing transactions will be effected in order to realize a profit on an outstanding call or put option, to prevent an underlying security from being called or put, or, to permit the sale of the underlying security.
Furthermore, effecting a closing transaction will permit the Fund to write another call option, or purchase another put option, on the underlying security with either a different exercise price or expiration date or both. If the Fund desires to sell a particular security from its portfolio on which it has written a call option, or purchased a put option, it will seek to effect a closing transaction prior to, or concurrently with, the sale of the security. There is, of course, no assurance that the Fund will be able to effect such closing transactions at a favorable price. If it cannot enter into such a transaction, it may be required to hold a security that it might otherwise have sold, in which case it would continue to be at market risk on the security. This could result in higher transaction costs, including brokerage commissions. The Fund will pay brokerage commissions in connection with the writing or purchase of options to close out previously written options. Such brokerage commissions are normally higher than those applicable to purchases and sales of portfolio securities.
Options written by the Fund will normally have expiration dates between three and nine months from the date written. The exercise price of the options may be below, equal to, or above the current market values of the underlying securities at the time the options are written. From time to time, the Fund may purchase an underlying security for delivery in accordance with an exercise notice of a call option assigned to it, rather than delivering such security from its portfolio. In such cases, additional brokerage commissions will be incurred.
The Fund will realize a profit or loss from a closing purchase transaction if the cost of the transaction is less or more than the premium received from the writing of the option; however, any loss so incurred in a closing purchase transaction may be partially or entirely offset by the premium received from a simultaneous or subsequent sale of a different call or put option. Also, because increases in the market price of a call option will generally reflect increases in the market price of the underlying security, any loss 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.
An American style put or call option may be exercised at any time during the option period while a European style put or call option may be exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior thereto. The Fund is authorized to purchase and sell exchange-listed options and over-the-counter options (OTC options). Exchange-listed options are issued by a regulated intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC), which guarantees the performance of the obligations of the parties to such options. The discussion below uses the OCC as an example, but is also applicable to other financial intermediaries.
With certain exceptions, OCC issued and exchange listed options generally settle by physical delivery of the underlying security or currency, although cash settlement may become available in the future. Index options and Eurocurrency instruments are cash settled for the net amount, if any, by which the option is in-the-money (i.e., where the value of the underlying instrument exceeds, in the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put option, the exercise price of the option) at the time the option is exercised. Frequently, rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying instrument through the process of exercising the option, listed options are closed by entering into offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in ownership of the new option.
The Funds ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller of an OCC or exchange-listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon liquidity of the option market. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a liquid option market on an exchange are: (1) insufficient trading interest in certain options; (2) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (3) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to
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particular classes or series of options or underlying securities including reaching daily price limits; (4) interruption of the normal operations of the OCC or an exchange; (5) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or OCC to handle current trading volume; or (6) a decision by one or more exchanges to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the relevant market for that option on that exchange would cease to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange would generally continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with the hours during which the underlying financial instruments are traded. To the extent that the option markets close before the markets for the underlying financial instruments, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets.
OTC options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers, financial institutions or other parties (Counterparties) through a direct bilateral agreement with the Counterparty. In contrast to exchange-listed options, which generally have standardized terms and performance mechanics, all the terms of an OTC option, including such terms as method of settlement, term, exercise price, premium, guarantees and security, are set by negotiation of the parties. The Fund will only sell OTC options (other than OTC currency options) that are subject to a buy-back provision permitting the Fund to require the Counterparty to sell the option back to the Fund at a formula price within seven days.
Although not required to do so, the Fund generally expects to enter into OTC options that have cash settlement provisions. Unless the parties provide otherwise, there is no central clearing or guaranty function in an OTC option.
As a result, if the Counterparty fails to make or take delivery of the security, currency or other instrument underlying an OTC option it has entered into with the Fund or fails to make a cash settlement payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, the Fund will lose any premium it paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the transaction. Accordingly, the Funds investment Sub-Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of each such Counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement of the Counterpartys credit to determine the likelihood that the terms of the OTC option will be satisfied. The Fund will engage in OTC option transactions only with United States government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as primary dealers, or broker dealers, domestic or foreign banks or other financial institutions which have received (or the guarantors of the obligation of which have received) a short-term credit rating of A-1 from S&P or P-1 from Moodys or an equivalent rating from any other nationally recognized statistical rating organization (a NRSRO). The staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) currently takes the position that OTC options purchased by the Fund and portfolio securities covering the amount of the Funds obligation pursuant to an OTC option sold by it (the cost of the sell-back plus the in-the-money amount, if any) are illiquid, and are subject to the Funds limitation on investing no more than 15% of its assets in illiquid securities.
If the Fund sells a call option, the premium that it receives may serve as a partial hedge against a decrease in the value of the underlying securities or instruments in its portfolio. The premium may also increase the Funds income. The sale of put options can also provide income.
The Fund may purchase and sell call options on securities, including U.S. Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, and corporate debt securities, and Eurocurrency instruments (see Eurocurrency Instruments below for a description of such instruments) that are traded in U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and in the over-the-counter markets, and futures contracts. The Fund may purchase and sell call options on currencies. All calls sold by the Fund must be covered (i.e., the Fund must own the securities or futures contract subject to the call) or must meet the asset segregation requirements described below as long as the call is outstanding. Even though the Fund will receive the option premium to help protect it against loss, a call sold by the Fund exposes the Fund during the term of the option to possible loss of opportunity to realize appreciation in the market price of the underlying security or instrument and may require the Fund to hold a security or instrument which it might otherwise have sold.
The Fund may purchase and sell put options on securities including U.S. Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, foreign sovereign debt, corporate debt securities, convertible securities, and Eurocurrency instruments (whether or not the Fund holds the above securities in its portfolio), and futures contracts.
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The Fund may not purchase or sell futures contracts on individual corporate debt securities. The Fund may purchase and sell put options on currencies. The Fund will not sell put options if, as a result, more than 50% of the Funds assets would be required to be segregated to cover its potential obligations under such put options other than those with respect to futures and options thereon. In selling put options, there is a risk that the Fund may be required to buy the underlying security at a disadvantageous price above the market price. For tax purposes, the purchase of a put is treated as a short sale, which may cut off the holding period for the security. Consequently, the purchase of a put is treated as generating gain on securities held less than three months or short term capital gain (instead of long term) as the case may be.
b) Options on Securities Indices and Other Financial Indices. The Fund may also purchase and sell call and put options on securities indices and other financial indices. By doing so, the Fund can achieve many of the same objectives that it would achieve through the sale or purchase of options on individual securities or other instruments. Options on securities indices and other financial indices are similar to options on a security or other instrument except that, rather than settling by physical delivery of the underlying instrument, they settle by cash settlement. For example, an option on an index gives the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the index upon which the option is based exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the excess of the closing price of the index over the exercise price of the option, which also may be multiplied by a formula value.
The seller of the option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of this amount. The gain or loss on an option on an index depends on price movements in the instruments making up the market, market segment, industry or any other composite on which the underlying index is based, rather than price movements in individual securities, as is the case with respect to options on securities.
Futures . The Fund may enter into financial futures contracts or purchase or sell put and call options on such futures as a hedge against anticipated interest rate or currency market changes and for risk management purposes. The use of futures for hedging is intended to protect the Fund from (1) the risk that the value of its portfolio of investments in a foreign market may decline before it can liquidate its interest, or (2) the risk that a foreign market in which it proposes to invest may have significant increases in value before it actually invests in that market. In the first instance, the Fund will sell a future based upon a broad market index which it is believed will move in a manner comparable to the overall value of securities in that market. In the second instance, the Fund will purchase the appropriate index as an anticipatory hedge until it can otherwise acquire suitable direct investments in that market. As with the hedging of foreign currencies, the precise matching of financial futures on foreign indices and the value of the cash or portfolio securities being hedged may not have a perfect correlation. The projection of future market movement and the movement of appropriate indices is difficult, and the successful execution of this short-term hedging strategy is uncertain.
Regulatory policies governing the use of such hedging techniques require the Fund to provide for the deposit of initial margin and the segregation of suitable assets to meet its obligations under futures contracts. Futures are generally bought and sold on the commodities exchanges where they are listed with payment of initial and variation margin as described below. The sale of a futures contract creates a firm obligation by the Fund, as seller, to deliver to the buyer the specific type of financial instrument called for in the contract at a specific future time for a specified price (or, with respect to index futures and Eurocurrency instruments, the net cash amount). Options on futures contracts are similar to options on securities except that an option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right in return for the premium paid to assume a position in a futures contract and obligates the seller to deliver such position.
The Funds use of financial futures and options thereon will in all cases be consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, particularly the rules and regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The Fund will use such techniques only for bona fide hedging, risk management (including duration management) or other portfolio management purposes. Typically, maintaining a futures contract or selling an option thereon requires the Fund to deposit an amount of cash or other specified assets (initial margin), which initially is typically 1% to 10% of the face amount of the contract (but may be higher in some circumstances) with a financial intermediary as security for its obligations. Additional cash or assets (variation margin) may be required to be deposited thereafter on a daily basis as the mark to market value of the contract fluctuates. The purchase of an option on financial futures involves payment of a premium for the option without any further obligation on the part of the Fund. If the Fund exercises an option on a futures contract, it will be obligated to post initial margin (and potential subsequent
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variation margin) for the resulting futures position. Futures contracts and options thereon are generally settled by entering into an offsetting transaction, but there can be no assurance that the position can be offset prior to settlement at an advantage price or that delivery will occur.
CFTC Exemption . This Fund is being operated by an investment adviser that has claimed an exemption from registration with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act, and therefore the investment adviser is not subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under that Act. This claim of exemption from registration as a commodity pool operator is pursuant to Rule 4.5 promulgated under the Commodity Exchange Act. Specifically, in accordance with the requirements of Rule 4.5(b)(1), the Fund will limit its use if commodity futures contracts and commodity options contracts to no more than (i) five percent (5%) of the Funds liquidation value being committed as aggregate initial premium or margin for such contracts or (ii) one hundred percent (100%) of the Funds liquidation value in aggregate net notional value of commodity futures, commodity options and swaps positions.
Currency Transactions . The Fund may engage in currency transactions with counterparties in order to hedge the value of portfolio holdings denominated in particular currencies against fluctuations in relative value. Currency transactions include forward currency contracts, exchange-listed currency futures, exchange-listed and OTC options on currencies, and currency swaps. A forward currency contract involves a privately negotiated obligation to purchase or sell (with delivery generally required) a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract between the parties, at a specified price. These contracts are traded in the interbank market and conducted directly between currency traders (usually large, commercial banks) and their customers. A forward foreign currency contract generally has no deposit requirement or commissions charges. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows based on the notional difference among two or more currencies. Currency swaps operate similarly to an interest rate swap (described below). The Fund may enter into currency transactions with counterparties which have received (or the guarantors of the obligations of which have received) a credit rating of A-1 or P-1 by S&P or Moodys, respectively, or that have an equivalent rating from a NRSRO, or (except for OTC currency options) are determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Funds investment Sub-Adviser.
Currency hedging involves some of the same risks and considerations as other transactions with similar instruments. Currency transactions can result in losses to the Fund if the currency being hedged fluctuates in value to a degree or in a direction that is not anticipated. Furthermore, there is the risk that the perceived linkage between various currencies may not be present or may not be present during the particular time the Fund is engaging in proxy hedging (see Proxy Hedging, below). If the Fund enters into a currency hedging transaction, it will comply with the asset segregation requirements described below. Cross currency hedges may not be considered directly related to the Funds principal business of investing in stock or securities (or options and futures thereon), resulting in gains there from not qualifying under the less than 30% of gross income test of Subchapter M of the Code.
Currency transactions are also subject to risks different from those of other portfolio transactions. Because currency control is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related instruments can be negatively affected by government exchange controls, blockages, and manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These can result in losses to the Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive currency or funds in settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges the Fund has entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure and transaction costs. Buyers and sellers of currency futures are subject to the same risks that apply to the use of futures generally. Furthermore, settlement of a currency futures contract for the purchase of most currencies must occur at a bank based in the issuing nation. Trading options on currency futures is relatively new, and the ability to establish and close out positions on such options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market which may not always be available. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors extrinsic to that countrys economy. Although forward foreign currency contracts and currency futures tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they tend to limit any potential gain which might result should the value of such currency increase.
The Funds dealing in forward currency contracts and other currency transactions such as futures, options on futures, options on currencies and swaps will be limited to hedging involving either specific transactions (Transaction Hedging) or portfolio positions (Position Hedging).
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Transaction Hedging . Transaction Hedging occurs when the Fund enters into a currency transaction with respect to specific assets or liabilities. These specific assets or liabilities generally arise in connection with the purchase or sale of the Funds portfolio securities or the receipt of income there from.
The Fund may use transaction hedging to preserve the United States dollar price of a security when they enter into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency. The Fund will be able to protect itself against possible losses resulting from changes in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies during the period between the date the security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received by entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed amount of dollars, of the amount of the foreign currency involved in the underlying security transactions.
Position Hedging . Position hedging is entering into a currency transaction with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or generally quoted in that currency. The Fund may use position hedging when the Sub-Adviser believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar. The Fund may enter into a forward foreign currency contract to sell, for a fixed amount of dollars, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of its portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency. The precise matching of the forward foreign currency contract amount and the value of the portfolio securities involved may not have a perfect correlation since the future value of the securities hedged will change as a consequence of market movements between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. The projection of short-term currency market movement is difficult, and the successful execution of this short-term hedging strategy is uncertain.
The Fund will not enter into a transaction to hedge currency exposure to an extent greater, after netting all transactions intended wholly or partially to offset other transactions, than the aggregate market value (at the time of entering into the transaction) of the securities held in its portfolio that are denominated or generally quoted in or currently convertible into such currency, other than with respect to proxy hedging as described below.
Cross Hedging . The Fund may also cross-hedge currencies by entering into transactions to purchase or sell one or more currencies that are expected to decline in value relative to other currencies to which the Fund has or expects to have portfolio exposure.
Proxy Hedging . To reduce the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of existing or anticipated holdings of portfolio securities, the Fund may also engage in proxy hedging. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which the Funds portfolio is exposed is difficult to hedge or to hedge against the U.S. dollar. Proxy hedging entails entering into a forward contract to sell a currency whose changes in value are generally considered to be linked to a currency or currencies in which some or all of the Funds portfolio securities are or are expected to be denominated, and buying U.S. dollars. The amount of the contract would not exceed the value of the Funds securities denominated in linked currencies. For example, if the investment Sub-Adviser considers that the Swedish krona is linked to the euro, the Fund holds securities denominated in Swedish krona and the investment Sub-Adviser believes that the value of Swedish krona will decline against the U.S. dollar, the investment Sub-Adviser may enter into a contract to sell euros and buy U.S. dollars.
Combined Transactions . The Fund may enter into multiple transactions, including multiple options transactions, multiple futures transactions, multiple currency transactions (including forward foreign currency contracts) and multiple interest rate transactions and any combination of futures, options, currency and interest rate transactions (component transactions), instead of a single Strategic Transaction or when the investment Sub-Adviser believes that it is in the Funds best interests to do so. A combined transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of its component transactions. Although combined transactions are normally entered into based on the investment Sub-Advisers judgment that the combined strategies will reduce risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management goal, it is possible that the combination will instead increase such risks or hinder achievement of the portfolio management objective.
Eurocurrency Instruments . The Fund may make investments in Eurocurrency instruments. Eurocurrency instruments are futures contracts or options thereon which are linked to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or to the interbank rates offered in other financial centers. Eurocurrency futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. The Fund
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might use Eurocurrency futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against changes in LIBOR and other interbank rates, to which many interest rate swaps and fixed income instruments are linked.
Segregated and Other Special Accounts . In addition to other requirements, many transactions require the Fund to segregate liquid high grade assets with its custodian to the extent Fund obligations are not otherwise covered through the ownership of the underlying security, financial instruments or currency. In general, either the full amount of any obligation by the Fund to pay or deliver securities or assets must be covered at all times by the securities, instruments or currency required to be delivered, or, subject to any regulatory restrictions, an amount of cash or liquid high grade securities at least equal to the current amount of the obligation must be segregated with the custodian. The segregated assets cannot be sold or transferred unless equivalent assets are substituted in their place or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. For example, a call option written by the Fund will require the Fund to hold the securities subject to the call (or securities convertible into the needed securities without additional consideration) or to segregate liquid high grade securities sufficient to purchase and deliver the securities if the call is exercised. A call option sold by the Fund on an index will require the Fund to own portfolio securities which correlate with the index or segregate liquid high grade assets equal to the excess of the index value over the exercise price industry or other on a current basis. A put option written by the Fund requires the Fund to segregate liquid, high grade assets equal to the exercise price. A currency contract which obligates the Fund to buy or sell currency will generally require the Fund to hold an amount of that currency or liquid securities denominated in that currency equal to the Funds obligations or to segregate liquid high grade assets equal to the amount of the Funds obligation.
OTC options entered into by the Fund, including those on securities, currency, financial instruments or indices and OCC issued and exchange-listed index options will generally provide for cash settlement. As a result, when the Fund sells these instruments it will only segregate an amount of assets equal to the notional value, as there is no requirement for payment or delivery of amounts in excess of the net amount. These amounts will equal 100% of the exercise price in the case of a non cash-settled put, the same as an OCC guaranteed listed option sold by the Fund, or in-the-money amount plus any sell-back formula amount in the case of a cash-settled put or call. In addition, when the Fund sells a call option on an index at a time when the in-the-money amount exceeds the exercise price, the Fund will segregate, until the option expires or is closed out, cash or cash equivalents equal in value to the notional amount. OCC issued and exchange-listed options sold by the Fund generally settle with physical delivery, and the Fund will segregate an amount of liquid assets equal to the full value of the option. OTC options settling with physical delivery, or with an election of either physical delivery or cash settlement will be treated the same as other options settling with physical delivery.
In the case of a futures contract or an option thereon, the Fund must deposit initial margin and possible daily variation margin in addition to segregating sufficient liquid assets. Such assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents, liquid debt securities or other liquid assets.
Strategic Transactions may be covered by other means when consistent with applicable regulatory policies. The Fund may also enter into offsetting transactions so that its combined position, coupled with any segregated assets, equals its net outstanding obligation in related options and Strategic Transactions. For example, the Fund could purchase a put option if the strike price of that option is the same or higher than the strike price of a put option sold by the Fund. Moreover, instead of segregating assets, if the Fund holds a futures or forward contract, it could purchase a put option on the same futures or forward contract with a strike price as high as or higher than the price of the contract held. Other Strategic Transactions may also be offered in combinations.
If the offsetting transaction terminates at the time of or after the primary transaction, no segregation is required, but if it terminates prior to such time, liquid assets equal to any remaining obligation would need to be segregated.
The Funds activities involving Strategic Transactions may be limited by the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company.
Depositary Receipts . The Fund may invest in Depositary Receipts. American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) are receipts typically issued in the United States by a bank or trust company evidencing ownership of an underlying foreign security. The Fund may invest in ADRs which are structured by a U.S. bank without the sponsorship of the underlying foreign issuer. In addition to the risks of foreign investment applicable to the underlying securities, such
9
unsponsored ADRs may also be subject to the risks that the foreign issuer may not be obligated to cooperate with the U.S. bank, may not provide additional financial and other information to the bank or the investor, or that such information in the U.S. market may not be current.
Like ADRs, European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs), and Registered Depositary Certificates (RDCs) represent receipts for a foreign security. However, they are issued outside of the United States. The Fund may also invest in EDRs, GDRs and RDCs. EDRs, GDRs and RDCs involve risks comparable to ADRs, as well as the fact that they are issued outside of the United States.
REITs . The Fund may invest in REITs. REITs may be subject to certain risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate, including declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, and variations in rental income. Generally, increases in interest rates will decrease the value of high yielding securities and increase the costs of obtaining financing, which could decrease the value of the REITs held in the Funds portfolio. REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for the tax-free pass-through of income under the Code and to maintain their exemption from registration under Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) . The Fund may invest in MLPs. MLPs are limited partnerships or limited liability companies, whose partnership units or limited liability interests are listed and traded on a U.S. securities exchange, and are treated as publicly traded partnerships for federal income tax purposes. To qualify to be treated as a partnership for tax purposes, an MLP must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources as set forth in Section 7704(d) of the Code. These qualifying sources include activities such as the exploration, development, mining, production, processing, refining, transportation, storage and marketing of mineral or natural resources. MLPs generally have two classes of owners, the general partner and limited partners. MLPs that are formed as limited liability companies generally have two analogous classes of owners, the managing member and the members. For purposes of this section, references to general partners also apply to managing members and references to limited partners also apply to members. The general partner is typically owned by a major energy company, an investment fund, the direct management of the MLP or is an entity owned by one or more of such parties. The general partner may be structured as a private or publicly traded corporation or other entity. The general partner typically controls the operations and management of the MLP through an equity interest of as much as 2% in the MLP plus, in many cases, ownership of common units and subordinated units. Limited partners own the remainder of the MLP through ownership of common units and have a limited role in the MLPs operations and management.
MLPs are typically structured such that common units and general partner interests have first priority to receive quarterly cash distributions up to an established minimum amount (minimum quarterly distributions or MQD). Common and general partner interests also accrue arrearages in distributions to the extent the MQD is not paid. Once common and general partner interests have been paid, subordinated units receive distributions of up to the MQD; however, subordinated units do not accrue arrearages. Distributable cash in excess of the MQD paid to both common and subordinated units is distributed to both common and subordinated units generally on a pro rata basis. The general partner is also eligible to receive incentive distributions if the general partner operates the business in a manner which results in distributions paid per common unit surpassing specified target levels. As the general partner increases cash distributions to the limited partners, the general partner receives an increasingly higher percentage of the incremental cash distributions. A common arrangement provides that the general partner can reach a tier where it receives 50% of every incremental dollar paid to common and subordinated unit holders. These incentive distributions encourage the general partner to streamline costs, increase capital expenditures and acquire assets in order to increase the partnerships cash flow and raise the quarterly cash distribution in order to reach higher tiers. Such results benefit all security holders of the MLP.
General partner interests of MLPs are typically retained by an MLPs original sponsors, such as its founders, corporate partners, entities that sell assets to the MLP and investors such as the Fund. A holder of general partner interests can be liable under certain circumstances for amounts greater than the amount of the holders investment in the general partner interest. General partner interests often confer direct board participation rights and in many cases, operating control, over the MLP. These interests themselves are not publicly traded, although they may be owned by publicly traded entities. General partner interests receive cash distributions, typically 2% of the MLPs aggregate cash distributions, which are contractually defined in the partnership agreement. In addition,
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holders of general partner interests typically hold incentive distribution rights (IDRs), which provide them with a larger share of the aggregate MLP cash distributions as the distributions to limited partner unit holders are increased to prescribed levels. General partner interests generally cannot be converted into common units. The general partner interest can be redeemed by the MLP if the MLP unit-holders choose to remove the general partner, typically with a supermajority vote by limited partner unit-holders.
U.S. Government Securities . The Fund may invest in U.S. government securities. The term U.S. Government Securities refers to a variety of securities which are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, by various agencies of the U.S. government, and by various instrumentalities which have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government. U.S. Treasury securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or U.S. government sponsored instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, and may not be able to assert a claim directly against the United States in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. An instrumentality of the U S government is a government agency organized under Federal charter with government supervision.
Repurchase Agreements . As a means of earning income for periods as short as overnight, the Fund may enter into repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. government securities. The Fund may enter into repurchase commitments for investment purposes for periods of 30 days or more. Such commitments involve investment risks similar to those of the debt securities in which the Fund invests. Under a repurchase agreement, the Fund acquires a security, subject to the sellers agreement to repurchase that security at a specified time and price. A purchase of securities under a repurchase agreement is considered to be a loan by the Fund. The Funds investment Sub-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. If the seller becomes insolvent, the Funds right to dispose of the securities held as collateral may be impaired and the Fund may incur extra costs. Repurchase agreements for periods in excess of seven days may be deemed to be illiquid. The Fund may engage in repurchase agreement transactions to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.
Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) . The Fund may invest in IPOs. IPOs occur when a firm offers its securities to the public. Although companies can be any age or size at the time of their IPO, they are often smaller and have a limited operating history, which involves a greater potential for the value of their securities to be impaired following the IPO.
Investors in IPOs can be adversely affected by substantial dilution in the value of their shares, by sales of additional shares and by concentration of control in existing management and principal shareholders. In addition, all of the factors that affect stock market performance may have a greater impact on the shares of IPO companies.
The price of a companys securities may be highly unstable at the time of its IPO and for a period thereafter due to market psychology prevailing at the time of the IPO, the absence of a prior public market, the small number of shares available and limited availability of investor information. As a result of this or other factors, the Funds Sub-Adviser might decide to sell an IPO security more quickly than it would otherwise, which may result in a significant gain or loss and greater transaction costs to the Fund. Any gains from shares held for 12 months or less will be treated as short-term gains, taxable as ordinary income to the Funds shareholders. In addition, IPO securities may be subject to varying patterns of trading volume and may, at times, be difficult to sell without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices.
The effect of an IPO investment can have a magnified impact on the Funds performance when the Funds asset base is small. Consequently, IPOs may constitute a significant portion of the Funds returns particularly when the Fund is small. Since the number of securities issued in an IPO is limited, it is likely that IPO securities will represent a smaller component of the Funds assets as it increases in size and therefore have a more limited effect on the Funds performance.
There can be no assurance that IPOs will continue to be available for the Fund to purchase. The number or quality of IPOs available for purchase by the Fund may vary, decrease or entirely disappear. In some cases, the Fund
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may not be able to purchase IPOs at the offering price, but may have to purchase the shares in the aftermarket at a price greatly exceeding the offering price, making it more difficult for the Fund to realize a profit.
Other Investment Companies . The Fund may invest in other investment companies. An investment company is a company engaged in the business of pooling investors money and trading in securities for them. Examples include face-amount certificate companies, unit investment trusts and management companies. When a Fund invests in other investment companies, shareholders of the Fund bear their proportionate share of the underlying investment companies fees and expenses.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) . The Fund may invest in ETFs. An ETF is an investment company whose goal is to track or replicate a desired index, such as a sector, market or global segment. ETFs are traded on exchanges and trade similarly to publicly-traded companies. ETFs also have risks and costs that are similar to publicly-traded companies. The goal of an ETF is to correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses of its underlying index. The risk of not correlating to the index is an additional risk borne by the investors of ETFs. Because ETFs trade on an exchange, they may not trade at NAV. Sometimes, the prices of ETFs may vary significantly from the NAVs of the ETFs underlying securities. Additionally, if the Fund elects to redeem its ETF shares rather than selling them on the secondary market, the Fund may receive the underlying securities which it must then sell in order to obtain cash. Additionally, when the Fund invests in ETFs, shareholders of the Fund bear their proportionate share of the underlying ETFs fees and expenses.
Certain ETFs may not produce qualifying income for purposes of the 90% Test (as defined below under the heading Taxes) which must be met in order for the Fund to maintain its status as a regulated investment company under the Code. If one or more ETFs generates more non-qualifying income for purposes of the 90% Test than the Funds portfolio management expects it could cause the Fund to inadvertently fail the 90% Test thereby causing the Fund to inadvertently fail to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code.
Securities Loans . The Fund may make secured loans of its portfolio securities, on either a short-term or long-term basis, amounting to not more than 33 1/3% of its total assets, thereby realizing additional income. The risks in lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of credit, consist of possible delay in recovery of the securities or possible loss rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. As a matter of policy, securities loans are made to broker-dealers pursuant to agreements requiring that the loans be continuously secured by collateral consisting of cash or short-term debt obligations at least equal at all times to the value of the securities on loan, marked-to-market daily. The borrower pays to a lender-Fund an amount equal to any dividends or interest received on securities lent. The Fund retains all or a portion of the interest received on the collateral or receives a fee from the borrower. Although voting rights, or rights to consent, with respect to the loaned securities may pass to the borrower, the Fund retains the right to call the loans at any time on reasonable notice, and it will do so to enable the Fund to exercise voting rights on any matters materially affecting the investment. The Fund may also call such loans in order to sell the securities.
Temporary Investments . To maintain cash for redemptions and distributions and for temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest in money market mutual funds and in investment grade short-term fixed income securities including short-term U.S. government securities, negotiable certificates of deposit, commercial paper, bankers acceptances and repurchase agreements.
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).
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1. Borrowing Money . The Fund will not borrow money, except: (a) from a bank, provided that immediately after such borrowing there is an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings of the Fund; or (b) from a bank or other persons for temporary purposes only, provided that such temporary borrowings are in an amount not exceeding 5% of the Funds total assets at the time when the borrowing is made.
2. Senior Securities . The Fund will not issue senior securities. This limitation is not applicable to activities that may be deemed to involve the issuance or sale of a senior security by the Fund, provided that the Funds engagement in such activities is consistent with or permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (The 1940 Act), the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or interpretations of the SEC or its staff.
3. Underwriting . The Fund will not act as underwriter of securities issued by other persons. This limitation is not applicable to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities (including restricted securities), a Fund may be deemed an underwriter under certain federal securities laws.
4. Real Estate . The Fund will not purchase or sell real estate. This limitation is not applicable to investments in marketable securities which are secured by or represent interests in real estate. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from investing in mortgage-related securities or investing in companies engaged in the real estate business or that have a significant portion of their assets in real estate (including real estate investment trusts)
5. Commodities . The Fund will not purchase or sell commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from purchasing or selling options or futures contracts, from investing in securities or other instruments backed by commodities or from investing in companies which are engaged in a commodities business or have a significant portion of their assets in commodities.
6. Loans . The Fund will not make loans to other persons, except: (a) by loaning portfolio securities; (b) by engaging in repurchase agreements; or (c) by purchasing nonpublicly offered debt securities. For purposes of this limitation, the term loans shall not include the purchase of a portion of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other securities.
7. Concentration . The Fund will not invest 25% or more of its total assets in a particular industry. This limitation is not applicable to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities or repurchase agreements with respect thereto.
With respect to the percentages adopted by the Trust as maximum limitations on its investment policies and limitations, an excess above the fixed percentage will not be a violation of the policy or limitation unless the excess results immediately and directly from the acquisition of any security or the action taken. This paragraph does not apply to the borrowing policy set forth in paragraph 1 above.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing limitations, any investment company, whether organized as a trust, association or corporation, or a personal holding company, may be merged or consolidated with or acquired by the Trust, provided that if such merger, consolidation or acquisition results in an investment in the securities of any issuer prohibited by said paragraphs, the Trust shall, within ninety days after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or acquisition, dispose of all of the securities of such issuer so acquired or such portion thereof as shall bring the total investment therein within the limitations imposed by said paragraphs above as of the date of consummation.
Non-Fundamental . The following limitation has been adopted by the Trust with respect to the Fund and is considered Non-Fundamental. The Non-Fundamental limitations may be changed by the Trusts Board of Trustees at any time without shareholder approval.
1. Illiquid Investments . The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in securities for which there are legal or contractual restrictions on resale and other illiquid securities.
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INVESTMENT ADVISER AND SUB-ADVISER
Adviser Union Street Partners, LLC (the Adviser), 1421 Prince Street, Suite 400, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, is the Funds investment adviser. The Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Adviser is a Delaware limited liability company. McGinn Investment Management, Inc., the Funds sub-adviser, and Shawn P. McLaughlin each own 50% of the Adviser. As of December 31, 2017, the Adviser had approximately $29 million assets under management.
The Adviser currently provides investment advisory services pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the Advisory Agreement). Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser manages the investment portfolio of the Fund, subject to the policies adopted by the Trusts Board of Trustees. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser, at its own expense and without reimbursement from the Trust, furnishes office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and executive personnel necessary for managing the assets of the Fund. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser assumes and pays all ordinary expenses of the Fund, except that the Fund pays all management fees, brokerage fees and commissions, taxes, interest expense, underlying fund fees and expenses, all expenses which it is authorized to pay pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, and extraordinary or non-recurring expenses. For its services, the Adviser receives an annual investment management fee of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Fund (and which is deducted proportionately from each class of Shares). The fee payable pursuant to the Advisory Agreement is calculated and accrued daily, and, subject to the provisions of an applicable expense limitation agreement, paid monthly. The Adviser received the following fees for investment advisory services to the Fund for each of the periods set for below:
For the fiscal year ended September 30, | |||
2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
Gross Advisory Fees earned | $252,528 | $212,564 | $218,559 |
Waivers and reimbursements | $67,144 | $74,951 | $52,559 |
Net Advisory Fees received | $185,384 | $137,613 | $166,000 |
The Advisers retains the right to use the name Union Street Partners 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 Union Street Partners 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 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.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to reduce its advisory fees and reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to keep net operating expenses (excluding interest, distribution fees pursuant to Rule 12b-1 Plans, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 1.35% of the Class A, Class C, and Advisor Class Shares until January 31, 2019. Each waiver or reimbursement of an expense by the Adviser is subject to repayment by the Fund within three fiscal years following the fiscal year in which the expense was incurred, provided that the Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the expense limitation in place at the time of the waiver or reimbursement and at the time the waiver or expense reimbursement is recouped. The total amount of recoverable reimbursements as of September 30, 2017 was $194,654 which expires as follows:
Recoverable Reimbursements and Expiration Dates | |||
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | Total |
$ 52,559 | $74,951 | $67,144 | $194,654 |
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To assist the Adviser in carrying out its responsibilities, the Adviser has retained the Sub-Adviser to render advisory services and make daily investment decisions for the Fund pursuant to a Sub-Advisory Agreement with the Adviser. The continuance of the Sub-Advisory Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of shareholders of the applicable Fund, and in either case by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or interested persons of any such party.
McGinn Investment Management, Inc., (the Sub-Adviser), 277 South Washington Street, Suite 340, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 sub-advises the portfolio of the Fund. The Sub-Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Adviser is a Delaware corporation. As of December 31, 2016, the Sub-Adviser manages client portfolios with assets in excess of $75 million. Bernard F. McGinn is majority owner of the Sub-Adviser.
As full compensation for all services rendered, the Adviser (not the Fund) pays the Sub-Adviser a sub-advisory fee of 0.50% of the Funds average daily net assets. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the Sub-Adviser earned an investment sub-advisory fee of $109,588, $106,282 and $126,264, respectively, which were paid by the Adviser.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Portfolio Managers - As described in the prospectus, Mr. Bernard McGinn serves as Portfolio Manager responsible for the day-to-day investment management of the Fund and Mr. R. McCoy Penninger serves as assistant Portfolio Manager. This section includes information about the Portfolio Managers, including information about other accounts he manages, the dollar range of Fund shares he owns and how he is compensated.
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In addition to the Fund, the Portfolio Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as listed below. The information below is provided as of September 30, 2017.
Conflicts of Interests . The Portfolio Managers management of other accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with his management of the Funds investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other. The other accounts may have the same investment objective as the Fund. Therefore, a potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the identical investment objectives, whereby a Portfolio Manager could favor one account over another. Another potential conflict could include the Portfolio Managers knowledge about the size, timing and possible market impact of Fund trades, whereby a Portfolio Manager could use this information to the advantage of other accounts and to the disadvantage of the Fund. However, the Adviser has established policies and procedures to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities among all accounts it manages are fairly and equitably allocated.
Compensation . The Portfolio Managers do not receive compensation that is based upon the Funds, any separate account strategy, partnership or any other commingled accounts, or any private accounts pre- or after-tax performance, or the value of the assets held by such entities. The Portfolio Managers do not receive any special or additional compensation from the Adviser for their service as Portfolio Managers. The Portfolio Managers receive a salary from the Adviser.
Fund Shares Owned by the Portfolio Managers. The following table shows the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Portfolio Managers in the Fund as of September 30, 2017.
Name of Portfolio Manager | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund |
Bernard McGinn | None |
R. McCoy Penninger | None |
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SERVICE PROVIDERS
Administrator, Fund Accountant and Transfer Agent . Pursuant to a Fund Services Agreement, Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. (CFS), 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235, serves as the Funds administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent.
In its capacity as administrator, CFS supervises all aspects of the operations of the Fund except those performed by the Adviser. CFS will provide certain administrative services and facilities for the Fund, including preparing and maintaining certain books, records, and monitoring compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements. CFS, as administrative agent for the Fund, will provide shareholder, recordkeeping, administrative and blue-sky filing services.
As transfer agent, CFS provides certain shareholder and other services to the Fund, including furnishing account and transaction information and maintaining shareholder account records. CFS will be responsible for processing orders and payments for share purchases. CFS will mail proxy materials (and receive and tabulate proxies), shareholder reports, confirmation forms for purchases and redemptions and prospectuses to shareholders. CFS will disburse income dividends and capital distributions and prepare and file appropriate tax-related information concerning dividends and distributions to shareholders.
CFS also provides accounting services to the Fund. CFS will be responsible for accounting relating to the Fund and its investment transactions; maintaining certain books and records of the Fund; determining daily the net asset value per share of the Fund; and preparing security position, transaction and cash position reports. CFS also monitors periodic distributions of gains or losses on portfolio sales and maintains a daily listing of portfolio holdings. CFS is responsible for providing expenses accrued and payment reporting services, tax-related financial information to the Trust, and for monitoring compliance with the regulatory requirements relating to maintaining accounting records.
CFS receives, for administrative services, an asset-based fee computed daily and paid monthly on the average daily net assets of the Fund, subject to a minimum fee plus out-of-pocket expenses. CFS receives, for transfer agency services, per account fees computed daily and paid monthly, subject to a minimum fee plus out-of-pocket expenses. CFS receives, for fund accounting services, an asset-based fee, computed daily and paid monthly on the average daily net assets of the Fund, subject to a minimum fee plus out-of-pocket expenses.
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The following table provides information regarding transfer agent, fund accounting and administrative services fees paid by the Fund during the periods indicated.
Fiscal Period Ended |
Fees
Paid for Transfer
Agent Services |
Fees
Paid for Accounting
Services |
Fees
Paid for Administrative
Services |
September 30, 2015 | $18,000 | $25,000 | $30,000 |
September 30, 2016 | $18,000 | $25,000 | $30,000 |
September 30, 2017 | $14,197 | $23,285 | $28,125 |
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.
Distributor and 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). Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor serves as the Funds principal underwriter and acts as exclusive agent for the Fund in selling its shares to the public on a best efforts basis and then only in respect to orders placed that is, the Distributor is under no obligations to sell any specific number of Shares. 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. For its underwriting services, the Distributor may receive compensation from the Funds Rule 12b-1 plan to the extent that such plan generates sufficient fees to compensate for these services; otherwise, the Funds Adviser is responsible for payment for such underwriting services.
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The Distributor received the following compensation as a result of the sale of the Funds shares:
Fiscal
year ended
September 30th |
Net
underwriting discounts and commissions |
Compensation
on redemptions and repurchases |
Brokerage
commissions |
Other
compensation (1) |
2015 | $1,322 | $3,985 | None | $120,724 |
2016 | $269 | $0 | None | $117,643 |
2017 | $0 | $0 | None | $127,135 |
(1) Fees received pursuant to the Funds Distribution (12b-1) and servicing fees.
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 . The Trusts independent registered public accounting firm, Cohen & Company, Ltd., audits the Funds annual financial statements, assists in the preparation of certain reports to the SEC and prepares the Funds tax returns. Cohen & Company, Ltd. is located at 1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 800, Cleveland, OH 44115.
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.
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 business experience as a practicing tax accountant since 1996 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 management firm. 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.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees is Ms. Ivey, who is not an interested person of the Trust, within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The Trust also has an independent Audit Committee that allows the Board to access the expertise necessary of oversee the Trust, identify risks, recognize 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.
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
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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.
Following is a list of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust and their principal occupation over the last five years. The mailing address of each Trustee and officer is 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond VA, 23235, unless otherwise indicated.
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NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES
NAME,
AGE
AND POSITION 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 |
David J. Urban
(62) Trustee |
Indefinite,
Since June 2010 |
Dean, Jones College of Business, Middle Tennessee State University since July 2013; Virginia Commonwealth University, Professor of Marketing from 1989 to 2013. | 52 | None |
Mary Lou H. Ivey
(59) Trustee |
Indefinite,
Since June 2010 |
Accountant, Harris, Hardy & Johnstone, P.C., accounting firm, since 2008. | 52 | None |
Theo H. Pitt,
Jr.
(81) Trustee |
Indefinite;
Since August 2013 |
Senior Partner, Community Financial Institutions Consulting (bank consulting) since 1997 to present. | 52 | Independent Trustee of Chesapeake Investment Trust for the one series of that trust; Leeward Investment Trust for the one series of that trust; Hillman Capital Management Investment Trust for the one series of that trust; and Starboard Investment Trust for the 17 series of that trust; (all registered investment companies). |
21
OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT TRUSTEES
NAME,
AGE
AND POSITION(S) 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 |
David Bogaert
(54) President and Principal Executive Officer |
Indefinite,
Since August 2017 |
Managing Director of Business Development, Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., October 2013 present; Senior Vice President of Business Development and other positions for Huntington Asset Services, Inc. from 1986 to 2013. | N/A | N/A |
Karen M. Shupe
(53) Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer |
Indefinite,
Since June 2008 |
Managing Director of Fund Operations, Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., 2003 to present. | N/A | N/A |
Ann T. MacDonald
(63) Assistant Treasurer |
Indefinite,
Since November 2015 |
Director, Fund Administration and Fund Accounting, Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., 2003 to present. | N/A | N/A |
John H. Lively
(49) Secretary |
Indefinite,
Since November 2013 |
Attorney, The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc. (law firm), March 2010 to present: | N/A | N/A |
Holly B. Giangiulio
(55) Assistant Secretary |
Indefinite,
Since November 2015 |
Managing Director, Corporate Operations, Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., January 2015 to present, Corporate Accounting and HR Manager from 2010 to 2015. | N/A | N/A |
22
NAME,
AGE
AND POSITION(S) 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 |
Julian G.
Winters
(49) 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 September 30, 2017, the Audit Committee met 8 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. For the Trusts most recent fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, the Committee met once.
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. For the Trusts most recent fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, the Committee did not meet.
The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee is comprised of Mr. Urban, Ms. Ivey and Mr. Pitt. The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee receives, investigates, and makes recommendations as to the appropriate remedial action in connection with any report of evidence of a material violation of the securities laws or breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by the Trust, its officers, Trustees, or agents. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, 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. Effective October 1, 2016, each Trustee received an annual retainer of $26,000 and effective January 1, 2017 each Trustee received an annual retainer of $35,000. Effective July 1, 2017, each Trustee receives a retainer fee at the annualized rate of $50,000. Additionally, each Trustee receives a fee of $2,500 per special in-person meeting and $1,250 per special telephonic meeting. Compensation received from the Trust for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 is as follows:
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* Company does not pay deferred compensation.
(1) The Fund Complex consists of the Trust, which is comprised of the fifty-two Funds.
Trustee Ownership of Fund Shares - The table below shows for each Trustee, the amount of Fund equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee, and the aggregate value of all investments in equity securities of the Funds of the Trust, as of December 31, 2017, and stated as one of the following ranges: A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001-$50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; and E = over $100,000.
Name of Trustee |
Dollar
Range of Equity
Securities in the Funds |
Aggregate
Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in all Registered Investment Companies Overseen by the Trustees in Family of Investment Companies |
Non-Interested Trustees | ||
David J. Urban | A | A |
Mary Lou H. Ivey | A | A |
Theo H. Pitt, Jr. | A | A |
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 Adviser, the Sub-Adviser or the principal underwriter and by the members of their immediate families.
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 Adviser generally has delegated such responsibility to the Sub-Adviser. The Sub-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 Appendix A. The Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of the Trust are included as 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 toll-free (800) 673-0550; and (2) on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov .
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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 December 31, 2017, 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, Class C Shares and Advisor Class Shares of the Fund.
Names and Addresses | Percent of Class |
Type
of
Ownership |
Pershing,
LLC
1 Pershing Plaza Jersey City, NJ 07399-0002 |
95.30% | record |
Names and Addresses | Percent of Class |
Type
of
Ownership |
Pershing,
LLC
1 Pershing Plaza Jersey City, NJ 07399-0002 |
100.00% | record |
Names and Addresses | Percent of Class |
Type
of
Ownership |
Charles Schwab
& Co. Inc.
Attn: Mutual Funds Dept. 101 Montgomery Street San Francisco, CA 94104-4122 |
94.90% | record |
Pershing,
LLC
1 Pershing Plaza Jersey City, NJ 07399-0002 |
5.10% | record |
As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees and officers own less than 1% of the Funds shares.
25
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 various interpretive 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 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-supplied valuations, 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.
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 $50,000 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 0.00% 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.
26
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.
Dealer Reallowance As a Percentage of Offering Price for Class A Shares | |||||
Less than
$50,000 |
$50,000
but less than $100,000 |
$100,000
but less than $250,000 |
$250,000
but less than $500,000 |
$500,000
but less than $1,000,000 |
$1,000,000
and
over |
5.00% | 3.75% | 2.75% | 2.00% | 1.75% | None |
Plan of Distribution . The Fund has a Plan of Distribution or 12b-1 Plan for its Class A Shares and Class C Shares 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.
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 Class A Shares and at an annual rate of 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributed to the Funds Class C Shares, in 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. For the year ended September 30, 2017, Rule 12b-1 fees accrued by Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively were $13,352 and $113,873. For the year ended September 30, 2016, Rule 12b-1 fees accrued by Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively were $24,266 and $93,377. For the year ended September 30, 2015, Rule 12b-1 fees accrued by Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively, were $32,612 and $88,112.
The table below shows the amount of Rule 12b-1 fees incurred and the allocation of such fees by the Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.
Advertising |
Other-
Distributor Fee |
Compensation
to
Broker/Dealers |
Total
Rule 12b-1 fees incurred |
$12,309 | $12,000 | $102,916 | $127,225 |
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
27
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 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. It is anticipated that the 12b-1 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 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 a 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.
Shareholder Servicing Plan . The Fund has adopted a shareholder service plan on behalf of its Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Advisor Class Shares. Under a shareholder services plan, the Fund may pay an authorized firm up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of average daily net assets attributable to its customers who are shareholders. For this fee, the authorized firms may provide a variety of services, such as: 1) receiving and processing shareholder orders; 2) performing the accounting for the shareholders account; 3) maintaining retirement plan accounts; 4) answering questions and handling correspondence for individual accounts; 5) acting as the sole shareholder of record for individual shareholders; 6) issuing shareholder reports and transaction confirmations; 7) executing daily investment sweep functions; and 8) furnishing investment advisory services.
Because the Fund has adopted the shareholder services plan to compensate authorized firms for providing the types of services described above, the Fund believes the shareholder services plan is not covered by Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which relates to payment of distribution fees. The Fund, however, follows the procedural requirements of Rule 12b-1 in connection with the implementation and administration of each shareholder services plan.
An authorized firm generally represents in a service agreement used in connection with the shareholder services plan that all compensation payable to the authorized firm from its customers in connection with the investment of their assets in the Fund will be disclosed by the authorized firm to its customers. It also generally provides that all such compensation will be authorized by the authorized firms customers.
The Fund does not monitor the actual services being performed by an authorized firm under the plan and related service agreement. The Fund also does not monitor the reasonableness of the total compensation that an authorized firm may receive, including any service fee that an authorized firm may receive from the Fund and any compensation the authorized firm may receive directly from its clients.
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
28
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 will also 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 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 . If you are in a category of investors who may purchase Class A Shares without a front-end sales charge, a one percent (1.00%) deferred sales charge payable to the Distributor is deducted from the proceeds of the Funds Class A Shares if redeemed within one year after purchase.
29
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 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 during which 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 commitment for a fixed period of time. A shareholder may change the monthly investment, skip a month or discontinue the Automatic Investment Plan as desired by notifying the Transfer Agent toll-free 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.
30
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 toll-free 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 . To the extent that the Adviser manages other funds in the Trust, shareholders may exchange their shares for shares of any other series of the Trust managed by the Adviser, 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. As of the date of this prospectus, the Adviser does not manage any other funds in the Trust. 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 exchanges or 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 federal income 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 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:
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a citizen
or individual resident of the United States (including certain former citizens and
former long-term residents);
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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; | ||
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an estate,
the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its
source; or
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a trust with
respect to which a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision
over its administration and one or more U.S. shareholders have the authority to
control all of its substantial decisions or the trust has made a valid election
in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
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A Non-U.S. shareholder is a beneficial owner of shares of the Fund that is an individual, corporation, 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 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. Some of those ETFs 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% penalty. 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 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.
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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 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.
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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.
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 month and actually paid during January of the following year, will be treated as if it had been received by the U.S. shareholders on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.
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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 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
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the Fund may be treated as debt obligations that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount (OID) is treated as interest income and is included in the Funds taxable income (and required to be distributed by the Fund) over the term of the debt obligation, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security.
Some debt obligations (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. Very generally, market discount is the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation (or in the case of an obligations issued with OID, its revised issue price) over the purchase price of such obligation. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt obligation having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the accrued market discount on such debt obligation. Alternatively, the Fund may elect to accrue market discount currently, in which case the Fund will be required to include the accrued market discount in the Funds income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The rate at which the market discount accrues, and thus is included in the Funds income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects. In the case of higher-risk securities, the amount of market discount may be unclear. See Higher-Risk Securities.
Some debt obligations (with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as having acquisition discount (very generally, the excess of the stated redemption price over the purchase price), or OID in the 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 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.
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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 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
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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 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 shareholders to receive either the benefit of a foreign tax credit, or a tax deduction, with respect to any foreign and U.S. possessions income taxes paid by the Fund, subject to certain limitations.
Foreign Shareholders. Capital Gain Dividends are generally not subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax. Absent a specific statutory exemption, dividends other than Capital Gain Dividends paid by the Fund to a shareholder that is not a U.S. person within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code (such shareholder, a foreign shareholder) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) even if they are funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest, short-term capital gains, or foreign-source dividend and interest income) that, if paid to a foreign person directly, would not be subject to withholding.
A regulated investment company is not required to withhold any amounts (i) with respect to distributions (other than distributions to a foreign person (w) that does not provide a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. person, (x) to the extent that the dividend is attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign person is the issuer or is a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (y) that is within a foreign country that has inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (z) to the extent the dividend is attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign person and the foreign person is a controlled foreign
38
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.
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.
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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 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 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.
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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.
FATCA . Payments to a shareholder that is either a foreign financial institution (FFI) or a non-financial foreign entity (NFFE) within the meaning of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) may be subject to a generally nonrefundable 30% withholding tax on: (a) income dividends paid by a Fund after June 30, 2014 and (b) certain capital gain distributions and the proceeds arising from the sale of Fund shares paid by the Fund after December 31, 2016. FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided: (a) by an FFI, subject to any applicable intergovernmental agreement or other exemption, if it enters into a valid agreement with the IRS to, among other requirements, report required information about certain direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI and (b) by an NFFE, if it: (i) certifies that it has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) if it does have such owners, reports information relating to them. A Fund may disclose the information that it receives from its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA. Withholding also may be required if a foreign entity that is a shareholder of a Fund fails to provide the Fund with appropriate certifications or other documentation concerning its status under FATCA.
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.. When the Fund executes transactions in the 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
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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 Adviser may 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 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 September 30, 2017, the 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).
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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 year ended September 30, 2017 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.
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.
For the years ended September 30, 2017, September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, the Fund paid brokerage commissions of $1,799, $10,951 and $5,059, respectively.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES HOLDINGS
This Disclosure of Portfolio Securities Holdings Policy (the Policy) shall govern the disclosure of the portfolio securities holdings of each series (individually and collectively the Fund or Funds) of the Trust. The Trust maintains this Policy to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio securities is in the best interests of the Fund and the Funds shareholders. The Board reviews these policies and procedures as necessary and 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 provision of portfolio holdings information to entities described below that may be 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 officers of the Trust and Adviser to provide such information in certain circumstances (see below).
The Trust is required by 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 respective quarter. 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.
Additionally, the Trusts service providers which have contracted to provide services to the Trust and its funds, including, for example, the custodian, the fund accountants, and other service providers assisting with materials utilized in the Boards 15c processes, that 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 third-party when the Trust has a legitimate business purpose for doing so.
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The Trust has the following ongoing arrangements with certain third parties to provide the Funds portfolio holdings information:
1.
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to the Trusts auditors within sixty (60) days after the applicable fiscal period or other
periods as necessary for use in providing audit opinions and other advice related
to financial, regulatory, or tax reporting;
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|
2. |
to financial
printers within sixty (60) days after the applicable fiscal period for the purpose
of preparing Trust regulatory filings; and
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|
3.
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to the Trusts administrator, custodian, transfer agent and accounting services provider
on a daily basis in connection with their providing services to the Fund.
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The Trusts service providers may also disclose non-public portfolio holdings information if such disclosure is required by applicable laws, rules or regulations, or by regulatory authorities. Additionally, the Adviser may establish ongoing arrangements with certain third parties to provide the Funds portfolio holdings information that the Adviser determines that the Fund has a legitimate business purpose for doing so and the recipient is subject to a duty of confidentiality. These third parties may include:
1. |
financial
data processing companies that provide automated data scanning and monitoring services
for the Fund;
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|
2.
|
research companies
that allow the Adviser to perform attribution analysis for the Fund; and
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|
3.
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the Advisers proxy voting agent to assess and vote proxies on behalf of the Fund.
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From time to time, employees of the Adviser may express their views orally or in writing on the Funds portfolio securities or may state that the Fund has recently purchased or sold, or continues to own, one or more securities. The securities subject to these views and statements may be ones that were purchased or sold since a Funds most recent quarter-end and therefore may not be reflected on the list of the Funds most recent quarter-end portfolio holdings. These views and statements may be made to various persons, including members of the press, brokers and other financial intermediaries that sell shares of the Fund, shareholders in the Fund, persons considering investing in the Fund or representatives of such shareholders or potential shareholders, such as fiduciaries of a 401(k) plan or a trust and their advisers, and other entities for which the Adviser may determine. The nature and content of the views and statements provided to each of these persons may differ. From time to time, employees of the Adviser also may provide oral or written information (portfolio commentary) about the Fund, including, but not limited to, how the Funds investments are divided among various sectors, industries, countries, investment styles and capitalization sizes, and among stocks, bonds, currencies and cash, security types, bond maturities, bond coupons and bond credit quality ratings. This portfolio commentary may also include information on how these various weightings and factors contributed to Fund performance. The Adviser may also provide oral or written information (statistical information) about various financial characteristics of the Fund or its underlying portfolio securities including, but not limited to, alpha, beta, R-squared, coefficient of determination, duration, maturity, information ratio, sharpe ratio, earnings growth, payout ratio, price/book value, projected earnings growth, return on equity, standard deviation, tracking error, weighted average quality, market capitalization, percent debt to equity, price to cash flow, dividend yield or growth, default rate, portfolio turnover, and risk and style characteristics. This portfolio commentary and statistical information about the Fund may be based on the Funds portfolio as of the most recent quarter-end or the end of some other interim period, such as month-end. The portfolio commentary and statistical information may be provided to various persons, including those described in the preceding paragraph. The nature and content of the information provided to each of these persons may differ.
Additionally, employees of the Adviser may disclose one or more of the portfolio securities of the Fund when purchasing and selling securities through broker-dealers, requesting bids on securities, obtaining price quotations on securities, or in connection with litigation involving the Funds portfolio securities. The Adviser does not enter into formal non-disclosure or confidentiality agreements in connection with these situations; however, the Fund would not continue to conduct business with a person who the Adviser believed was misusing the disclosed information.
The Adviser or its affiliates may manage products sponsored by companies other than itself, including investment companies, offshore funds, and separate accounts and affiliates of the Adviser may provide investment related services, including research services, to other companies, including other investment companies, offshore funds, institutional investors and other entities. In each of these instances, the sponsors of these other companies and the affiliates of the Adviser may receive compensation for their services. . In many cases, these other products
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may be managed in a similar fashion to the Fund and thus have similar portfolio holdings, and the other investment related services provided by affiliates of the Adviser may involve disclosure of information that is also utilized by the Adviser in managing the Fund. The sponsors of these other products may disclose the portfolio holdings of their products at different times than the Adviser discloses portfolio holdings for the Fund, and affiliates of the Adviser may provide investment related services to its clients at times that are different than the times disclosed to the Fund.
The Trust and the Adviser currently have 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.
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 Trust and its shareholders. The Trusts CCO is responsible for monitoring the use and disclosure of information relating to Portfolio Securities. Although no material conflicts of interest are believed to exist that could disadvantage the Fund and its shareholders, various safeguards have been implemented to protect the Fund and its shareholders from conflicts of interest, including: the adoption of Codes of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act designed to prevent fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative acts by officers and employees of the Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor in connection with their personal securities transactions; the adoption by the Adviser and Distributor of insider trading policies and procedures designed to prevent their employees misuse of material non-public information; and the adoption by the Trust of a Code of Ethics for Officers that requires the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Trust to report to the Board any affiliations or other relationships that could potentially create a conflict of interest with the Fund. There may be instances where the interests of the Trusts shareholders respecting the disclosure of information about portfolio holdings may conflict or appear to conflict with the interests of the Adviser, the Distributor or an affiliated person of the Trust, the Adviser or the Distributor. In such situations, the conflict must be disclosed to the Board and the Board will attempt to resolve the situation in a manner that it deems in the best interests of the Fund.
Affiliated persons of the Trust who receive non-standard disclosure are subject to restrictions and limitations on the use and handling of such information, including requirements to maintain the confidentiality of such information, pre-clear securities trades and report securities transactions activity, as applicable. Except as provided above, affiliated persons of the Trust and third party service providers of the Trust receiving such non-standard disclosure will be instructed that such information must be kept confidential and that no trading on such information should be allowed.
Neither the Trust, the Fund nor the Adviser or any affiliate thereof receives compensation or other consideration in connection with the non-standard disclosure of information about portfolio securities.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
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 more classes. 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
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class. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate of the 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 are substantially 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.
Each fund is a separate mutual fund, and each share of each fund 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, brokerage costs, 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 mutual funds within the Trust, other than the Fund, are described in separate prospectuses and statements of additional information.
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 generally has delegated such responsibility to the Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser will vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy policies and procedures, which are included in Appendix 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. 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 toll-free (800) 673-0550 or by writing to the Fund at 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, VA 23235; and (2) on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov .
46
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, Sub-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 on the EDGAR Database on the SECs Internet website at http://www.sec.gov .
47
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
The Annual Report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 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, Cohen & Company, Ltd., 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.
48
EXHIBIT A
I. POLICY.
McGinn Investment Management, Inc. (the Adviser) acts as a discretionary investment adviser for various clients, including clients governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and registered open-end management investment companies (i.e., mutual funds). The Adviser is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) as an investment adviser pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the Advisers Act). Some of the Advisers clients have delegated to the Adviser the authority to vote proxies or act with respect to corporate actions that may arise with respect to securities held within such clients investment portfolio. Corporate actions may include, for example and without limitation, tender offers or exchanges, bankruptcy proceedings, and class actions. The Advisers authority to vote proxies or act with respect to other corporate actions is established through the delegation of discretionary authority under its Advisory Agreements. 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 Adviser 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.
When voting proxies or acting with respect to corporate actions on behalf of clients, the Advisers utmost concern is that all decisions be made solely in the best interests of the client (and for ERISA accounts, plan beneficiaries and participants, in accordance with the letter and spirit of ERISA). The Adviser will act in a prudent and diligent manner intended to enhance the economic value of the assets in the clients account.
II. PURPOSE.
The purpose of these policies and procedures is to memorialize the procedures and policies adopted by the Adviser to enable it to comply with its fiduciary responsibilities to clients and the requirements of Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act. These policies and procedures also reflect the fiduciary standards and responsibilities set forth by the Department of Labor for ERISA accounts.
III. PROCEDURES.
The Adviser is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all proxies received are voted in a timely manner and in a manner consistent with the Advisers determination of the clients best interests. Although many proxy proposals may be voted in accordance with the Guidelines described in Section V below, some proposals require special consideration which may dictate that the Adviser makes an exception to the Guidelines.
The Adviser is also responsible for ensuring that all corporate action notices or requests which require shareholder action that are received are addressed in a timely manner and consistent action is taken across all similarly situated client accounts.
A. Conflicts of Interest.
Where a proxy
proposal raises a material conflict between the Advisers interests and a clients interest, including a mutual fund client, the Adviser will resolve such a
conflict in the manner described below:
1. |
Vote in Accordance
with the Guidelines. To the extent that the Adviser has little or no discretion
to deviate from the Guidelines with respect to the proposal in question, the Adviser
shall vote in accordance with such pre-determined voting policy.
|
2.
|
Obtain Consent
of Clients. To the extent that the Adviser has discretion to deviate from the Guidelines
with respect to the proposal in question, the Adviser will disclose the conflict
to the relevant clients and obtain their consent to the proposed vote prior to voting
the securities. The disclosure to the client will include sufficient detail regarding
the matter to be voted on and the nature of the conflict so that the
|
49
client will
be able to make an informed decision regarding the vote. If a client does not respond
to such a conflict disclosure request or denies the request, the Adviser will abstain
from voting the securities held by that clients account.
|
|
3.
|
Client Directive
to Use an Independent Third Party. Alternatively, a client may, in writing, specifically
direct the Adviser to forward all proxy matters in which the Adviser has a conflict
of interest regarding the clients securities to an identified independent
third party for review and recommendation. Where such independent third partys
recommendations are received on a timely basis, the Adviser will vote all such proxies
in accordance with such third partys recommendation. If the third partys
recommendations are not timely received, the Adviser will abstain from voting the
securities held by that clients account.
|
The Adviser will review the proxy proposal for conflicts of interest as part of the overall vote review process. All material conflicts of interest so identified will be addressed as described above in this Section III, A.
B. Limitations.
In certain circumstances, in accordance with a clients investment advisory agreement (or other written directive) or where the Adviser has determined that it is in the clients best interest, the Adviser will not vote proxies received. The following are certain circumstances where the Adviser will limit its role in voting proxies:
1. |
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 Adviser 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 the Adviser for such account, it will promptly be
forwarded to the client or specified third party.
|
2.
|
Terminated
Account. Once a client account has been terminated in accordance with its investment
advisory agreement, the Adviser will not vote any proxies received after the termination
date. However, the client may specify in writing that proxies should be directed
to the client (or a specified third party) for action.
|
3.
|
Limited Value.
If the Adviser determines that the value of a clients economic interest or
the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant, the Adviser
may abstain from voting a clients proxies. The Adviser also will not vote
proxies received for securities which are no longer held by the clients account.
In addition, the Adviser generally will not vote securities where the economic value
of the securities in the client account is less than $500.
|
4.
|
Securities
Lending Programs. When securities are out on loan, they are transferred into the
borrowers name and are voted by the borrower, in its discretion. However,
where the Adviser determines that a proxy vote (or other shareholder action) is
materially important to the clients account, the Adviser may recall the security
for the purposes of voting.
|
5.
|
Unjustifiable
Costs. In certain circumstances, after doing a cost-benefit analysis, the Adviser
may abstain from voting where the cost of voting a clients proxy would exceed
any anticipated benefits from the proxy proposal.
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IV. RECORD KEEPING.
In accordance with Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act, the Adviser will maintain for the time periods set forth in the Rule: (i) these proxy voting procedures and policies, and all amendments thereto; (ii) all proxy statements received regarding client securities (provided however, that the Adviser 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 written client requests for proxy voting information; (v) a copy of any written response made by the Adviser to any written or oral client request for proxy voting information; (vi) any documents prepared by the Adviser that were material to making a
50
decision on how to vote or that memorialized the basis for the decision; and (vii) all records relating to requests made to clients regarding conflicts of interest in voting the proxy.
The Adviser will describe in its Form ADV, Part II (or other brochure fulfilling the requirement of Rule 204-3 under the Advisers Act) its proxy voting policies and procedures and will inform clients how they may obtain information on how the Adviser voted proxies with respect to the clients portfolio securities. The Adviser will also provide to each mutual fund client a copy of its policies and procedures. Clients may obtain information on how their securities were voted or a copy of the policies and procedures by written request addressed to the Adviser.
The Adviser will coordinate with all mutual fund clients to assist in the provision of all information required to be filed by such mutual funds on Form N-PX. Form N-PX will provide information concerning each matter relating to a portfolio security considered at any shareholder meeting with respect to which a mutual fund was entitled to vote. Each Form N-PX will need to be filed no later than August 31st of each year, and will cover all proxy votes with respect to which a mutual fund was entitled to vote for the period July 1st through June 30th. The Adviser shall maintain and provide the following information concerning any shareholder meetings with respect to which a mutual fund they manage was entitled to vote:
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the name of
the issuer of the portfolio security;
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||
|
the exchange
ticker symbol of the portfolio security(1);
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||
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the CUSIP
number of the portfolio security(1);
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||
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the shareholder
meeting date;
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||
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a brief description
of the matter voted on;
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||
|
whether the
matter was put forward by the issuer or a shareholder;
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||
|
whether the
mutual fund voted;
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||
|
how the mutual
fund cast its vote; and
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||
|
whether the
mutual fund cast its vote for or against management.
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V. 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 Adviser will generally vote against any management proposal that clearly 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; f. Proposals regarding poison
pill provisions; and g. Permitting green mail.
|
|
2.
|
Providing
cumulative voting rights.
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51
B. Approve.
Routine proposals are those which do not change the structure, bylaws, or operations of the corporation to the detriment of the shareholders. Given the routine nature of these proposals, proxies will nearly always be voted with management. Traditionally, these issues include:
1. |
Election of
independent accountants recommended by management, unless seeking to replace if
there exists a dispute over policies.
|
|
2.
|
Date and place
of annual meeting.
|
|
3.
|
Limitation
on charitable contributions or fees paid to lawyers.
|
|
4.
|
Ratification
of directors actions on routine matters since previous annual meeting.
|
|
5.
|
Confidential
voting. 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 Adviser will generally vote to approve these proposals as shareholders
can later divulge their votes to management on a selective basis if a legitimate
reason arises.
|
|
6.
|
Limiting directors liability.
|
|
7.
|
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.
|
|
8.
|
The Adviser
will generally vote to approve the elimination of preemptive rights, but will oppose
the elimination of listed preemptive rights, e.g., on proposed issues representing
more than an acceptable level of total dilution.
|
|
9.
|
Employee Stock
Purchase Plans.
|
|
10.
|
Establish
40 1(k) Plans.
|
C. Case-By-Case.
The Adviser will review each issue in this category on a case-by-case basis. Voting decisions will he made based on the financial interest of the client involved. These matters include proposals to:
1. |
Pay directors
solely in stock;
|
|
2.
|
Eliminate
directors mandatory retirement policy;
|
|
3.
|
Rotate annual
meeting location or date;
|
|
4.
|
Changes in
the state of incorporation;
|
|
5.
|
Social and
corporate responsibility issues;
|
|
6.
|
Option and
stock grants to management and directors; and
|
|
7.
|
Allowing indemnification
of directors and/or officers after reviewing the applicable laws and extent of protection
requested.
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52
D. Investment Company Issues.
From time to time the Adviser will have to vote shares of investment company securities that may be held in a clients account. These matters generally include proposals to:
1. |
Elect directors
or trustees;
|
|
2. |
Ratify or
approve independent accountants;
|
|
3.
|
Approve a
new investment Adviser or Sub-Adviser;
|
|
4.
|
Approve a
change to an investment advisory fee;
|
|
5.
|
Approve a
Distribution (i.e., Rule 12b-1) Plan;
|
|
6.
|
Approve a
change in a fundamental investment objective, policy or limitation;
|
|
7.
|
Approve a
change in the state of incorporation; and
|
|
8.
|
Approve a
plan of reorganization or merger.
|
The Adviser will generally vote with managements recommendation on the election of directors and trustees, the approval of independent accountants, the approval of a change in a fundamental investment objective, policy or limitation, and the approval of a change in the state of incorporation. On the approval of a new investment Adviser or Sub-Adviser, approval of a change in investment advisory fee, approval of a distribution (i.e., Rule 12b-1) plan, or the approval of a plan of reorganization or merger, the Adviser will review each issue on a case-by-case basis. Voting decisions will be made based on the financial interest of the client involved.
(1) The exchange ticker symbol and CUSIP number may be difficult to obtain for certain portfolio securities, such as foreign issuers. Accordingly, such information may be omitted if its not available through reasonably practicable means.
53
EXHIBIT B
World Funds Trust
PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
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 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.
54
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 30 days following the end of each 12-month period ending June 30. 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.
Adopted: November 26, 2013
Amended: January 26, 2015
55
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.
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||
2.
|
The Committee
shall periodically review Board governance procedures and shall recommend any appropriate
changes to the full Board of Trustees.
|
||
3. |
The Committee
shall periodically review the composition of the Board of Trustees to determine
whether it may be appropriate to add individuals with different backgrounds or skill
sets from those already on the Board.
|
||
4. |
The Committee
shall periodically review trustee compensation and shall recommend any appropriate
changes to the Independent Trustees as a group.
|
Committee Nominations and Functions
1. |
The Committee
shall make nominations for membership on all committees and shall review committee
assignments at least annually.
|
||
2.
|
The Committee
shall review, as necessary, the responsibilities of any committees of the Board,
whether there is a continuing need for each committee, whether there is a need for
additional committees of the Board, and whether committees should be combined or
reorganized. The Committee shall make recommendations for any such action to the
full Board.
|
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.
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56
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.
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||
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
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.
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||
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
|
57
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.
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58
OTHER INFORMATION | ||
(a)(1) |
Certificate
of Trust of World Funds Trust (formerly, Abacus World Funds Trust) (the Registrant) dated April 9, 2007.
42
|
|
(a)(2)
|
Certificate
of Amendment dated January 7, 2008 to the Registrants Certificate of Trust
dated April 9, 2007.
42
|
|
(a)(3)
|
Registrants Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated April 9, 2007, and amended
on June 23, 2008 and November 16, 2016.
41
|
|
(b)
|
Registrants Amended and Restated By-Laws dated November 16, 2016.
41
|
|
(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.
17
|
|
(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.
17
|
|
(d)(3)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Perkins Capital Management, Inc.
2
|
|
(d)(4)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher &
Co., LLC with respect to the DGHM All-Cap Value Fund.
42
|
|
(d)(5)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher &
Co., LLC with respect to the DGHM V2000 SmallCap Value Fund.
42
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(6)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher &
Co., LLC with respect to the DGHM MicroCap Value Fund.
24
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(7)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and B. Riley Asset Management, a division
of B. Riley Capital Management, LLC with respect to the B. Riley Diversified Equity
Fund.
16
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(8)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Toreador Research & Trading,
LLC with respect to the Toreador Core Fund, Toreador International Fund, Toreador
Explorer Fund and Toreador Select Fund (collectively, the Toreador Funds).
42
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(9)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC
dba Mission Funds Advisers with respect to the Mission-Auour Risk-Managed Global
Equity Fund (formerly known as the Global Strategic Income Fund). (filed herewith)
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(10)
|
Investment
Sub-Advisory Agreement between Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC and Auour Investment,
LLC with respect to the Mission-Auour Risk-Managed Global Equity Fund (formerly
known as the Global Strategic Income Fund). (filed herewith)
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(11)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Real Estate Management Services Group,
LLC with respect to the REMS International Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund.
42
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(12)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Real Estate Management Services Group,
LLC with respect to the REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund.
5
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(13)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Real Estate Management Services Group,
LLC with respect to the REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund.
18
|
(d)(14)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Real Estate Management Services Group,
LLC with respect to the Select Value Real Estate Securities Fund.
43
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(15)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Clifford Capital Partners, LLC with
respect to the Clifford Capital Partners Fund.
18
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(16)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Strategic Asset Management, Ltd. with
respect to the Strategic Global Long/Short Fund.
19
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(17)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and CBOE Vest Financial LLC, with respect
to the CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Buffer Protect Strategy Fund, CBOE Vest
Defined Distribution Strategy Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Buffer Protect
Strategy (January) Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Buffer Protect Strategy
(February) Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Buffer Protect Strategy (March)
Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Buffer Protect Strategy (April) Fund, CBOE
Vest S&P 500
®
Buffer Protect Strategy (May) Fund, CBOE Vest S&P
500
®
Buffer Protect Strategy (June) Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Buffer Protect Strategy (July) Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Buffer
Protect Strategy (August) Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Buffer Protect
Strategy (September) Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Buffer Protect Strategy
(October) Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Buffer Protect Strategy (November)
Fund and CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Buffer Protect Strategy (December) Fund
(collectively the CBOE Vest Funds).
27
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(18)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and CBOE Vest Financial LLC, with respect
to the CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Enhanced Growth Strategy Fund, CBOE Vest
S&P 500
®
Enhanced Growth Strategy (January) Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Enhanced Growth Strategy (February) Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Enhanced Growth Strategy (March) Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Enhanced Growth Strategy
(April) Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Enhanced Growth Strategy (May)
Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Enhanced Growth Strategy (June) Fund, CBOE
Vest S&P 500
®
Enhanced Growth Strategy (July) Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Enhanced Growth Strategy (August) Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Enhanced Growth Strategy (September) Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Enhanced Growth Strategy (October) Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Enhanced Growth Strategy (November) Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Enhanced Growth Strategy (December) Fund (collectively the CBOE Vest Enhanced
Growth Funds).
44
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(19)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and CBOE Vest Financial LLC, with respect
to the CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Fund.
39
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(20)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and CBOE Vest Financial LLC, with respect
to the Cboe Vest S&P 500
®
Enhance and Buffer Fund.
45
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(21)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Systelligence, LLC with respect to
The E-Valuator Very Conservative RMS Fund, The E-Valuator Conservative RMS Fund,
The E-Valuator Tactically Managed RMS Fund, The E-Valuator Moderate RMS Fund, The
E-Valuator Growth RMS Fund and The E-Valuator Aggressive Growth RMS Fund (collectively
The E-Valuator Funds).
23
|
|
|
|
|
(d)(22)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Secure Investment Management, LLC,
with respect to the SIM U.S. Core Managed Volatility Fund, SIM Global Core Managed
Volatility Fund
,
SIM Global Moderate Managed Volatility Fund, SIM Global
Growth Fund and SIM Income Balance Fund (The SIM Funds). (to be filed
by amendment)
|
|
|
|
|
(e)(1)
|
Principal
Underwriter Agreement dated February 18, 2016 between the Registrant and First Dominion
Capital Corp.
19
|
|
|
|
|
(e)(2)
|
Schedule A
to the Principal Underwriter Agreement dated February 18, 2016 between the Registrant
and First Dominion Capital Corp with respect to the Union Street Value Fund.
31
|
(e)(3)
|
Schedule A
to the Principal Underwriter Agreement dated February 18, 2016 between the Registrant
and First Dominion Capital Corp with respect to the Clifford Capital Partners Fund.
30
|
|
|
|
|
(e)(4)
|
Schedule A
to the Principal Underwriter Agreement dated February 18, 2016 between the Registrant
and First Dominion Capital Corp with respect to the Perkins Discovery Fund.
26
|
|
|
|
|
(e)(5)
|
Schedule A
to the Principal Underwriter Agreement dated February 18, 2016 between the Registrant
and First Dominion Capital Corp with respect to the Strategic Global Long/Short
Fund.
19
|
|
|
|
|
(e)(6)
|
Schedule A
to the Principal Underwriter Agreement dated February 18, 2016 between the Registrant
and First Dominion Capital Corp. with respect to the B. Riley Diversified Equity
Fund.
20
|
|
|
|
|
(e)(7)
|
Amended Schedule
A dated November 14, 2017 to the Principal Underwriter Agreement between the Registrant
and First Dominion Capital Corp. with respect to the Mission-Auour Risk-Managed
Global Equity Fund (formerly known as the Global Strategic Income Fund).
45
|
|
|
|
|
(e)(8)
|
Schedule A
to the Principal Underwriter Agreement dated February 18, 2016 between the Registrant
and First Dominion Capital Corp. with respect to the REMS International Real Estate
Value-Opportunity Fund, the REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund and the REMS Real
Estate Value-Opportunity Fund (collectively the REMS Funds).
22
|
|
|
|
|
(e)(9)
|
Schedule A
to the Principal Underwriter Agreement dated August 15, 2017 between the Registrant
and First Dominion Capital Corp. with respect to the Select Value Real Estate Securities
Fund.
43
|
|
|
|
|
(e)(10)
|
Schedule A
to the Principal Underwriter Agreement dated April 21, 2016 between the Registrant
and First Dominion Capital Corp with respect to the DGHM All-Cap Value Fund, the
DGHM V2000 SmallCap Value Fund and the DGHM MicroCap Value Fund (collectively the
DGHM Funds).
24
|
|
|
|
|
(e)(11)
|
Schedule A
to the Principal Underwriter Agreement dated April 21, 2016 between the Registrant
and First Dominion Capital Corp with respect to the CBOE Vest Funds.
27
|
|
|
|
|
(e)(12)
|
Schedule A
to the Principal Underwriter Agreement dated August 24, 2016 between the Registrant
and First Dominion Capital Corp with respect to the CBOE Vest Enhanced Growth Funds.
28
|
|
|
|
|
(e)(13)
|
Amended Principal
Underwriter Agreement dated July 14, 2017 between the Registrant and First Dominion
Capital Corp with respect to the CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Dividend Aristocrats
Target Income Fund.
39
|
|
|
|
|
(e)(14)
|
Amended Principal
Underwriter Agreement dated July 14, 2017 between the Registrant and First Dominion
Capital Corp with respect to the Cboe Vest S&P 500
®
Enhance and
Buffer Fund.
45
|
|
|
|
|
(e)(15)
|
Schedule A
to the Principal Underwriter Agreement dated April 21, 2016 between the Registrant
and First Dominion Capital Corp with respect to The E-Valuator Funds.
23
|
|
|
|
|
(e)(16)
|
Schedule A
to the Principal Underwriter Agreement dated February 18, 2016 between the Registrant
and First Dominion Capital Corp with respect to the Toreador Funds.
25
|
|
|
|
|
(e)(17)
|
Schedule A
to the Principal Underwriter Agreement dated September 20, 2017 between the Registrant
and First Dominion Capital Corp with respect to The SIM Funds. (to be filed by amendment)
|
(f)
|
Not applicable.
|
|
(g)(1)
|
Custody Agreement
dated July 30, 2008 between the Registrant and UMB Bank, N.A.
42
|
|
(g)(2)
|
Amended Appendix
B and revised Appendix C to the Custody Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between
the Registrant and UMB Bank, N.A., to include the Union Street Partners Value Fund.
2
|
|
(g)(3)
|
Amended Appendix
B and revised Appendix C to the Custody Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between
the Registrant and UMB Bank, N.A., to include the Perkins Discovery Fund.
2
|
|
(g)(4)
|
Amended Appendix
B and revised Appendix C to the Custody Agreement, dated July 30, 2008, between
the Registrant and UMB Bank, N.A., to include the B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund.
2
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(5)
|
Custodian
Agreement dated July 25, 2005 between the Funds prior Registrant and Brown
Brothers Harriman with respect to Toreador International Fund.
10
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(6)
|
Novation Agreement
dated August 15, 2014 for Custodian Services between the Registrant and Brown Brothers
Harriman with respect to Toreador International Fund.
10
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(7)
|
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.
5
|
|
|
|
|
(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 Value-Opportunity
Fund.
6
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(9)
|
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 Select Value Real Estate Securities
Fund.
43
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(10)
|
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 Strategic Global Long/Short Fund.
43
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(11)
|
Custody Agreement
dated April 22, 2015 between the Registrant and Fifth Third Bank on behalf of the
Toreador Core Fund and the Toreador Explorer Fund.
14
|
|
|
|
|
(g)(12)
|
Amended Exhibit
A to the Custody Agreement between the Registrant and Fifth Third Bank on behalf
of certain portfolio series. (filed herewith)
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(1)
|
Fund Services
Agreement dated December 1, 2015 between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services,
Inc.
19
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(2)
|
Amendment
No. 1 and Exhibit A to the Fund Services Agreement dated December 1, 2015 between
the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Union Street
Partners Value Fund. (filed herewith)
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(3)
|
Exhibit A
to the Fund Services Agreement dated December 1, 2015 between the Registrant and
Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Perkins Discovery Fund.
26
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(4)
|
Exhibit A
to the Fund Services Agreement dated December 1, 2015 between the Registrant and
Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund.
20
|
(h)(5)
|
Fund Services
Agreement dated September 20, 2017 between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund
Services, Inc. on behalf of the Mission-Auour Risk-Managed Global Equity Fund (formerly
known as the Global Strategic Income Fund).
45
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(6)
|
Exhibit A
to the Fund Services Agreement dated December 1, 2015 between the Registrant and
Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the REMS Funds.
22
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(7)
|
Fund Services
Agreement dated August 15, 2017 between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services,
Inc. on behalf of the Select Value Real Estate Securities Fund.
43
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(8)
|
Fund Services
Agreement dated November 10, 2015 between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services,
Inc. on behalf of the Clifford Capital Partners Fund.
18
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(9)
|
Exhibit A
to the Fund Services Agreement dated December 1, 2015 between the Registrant and
Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Strategic Global Long/Short Fund.
19
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(10)
|
Amended Fund
Services Agreement dated March 1, 2017 between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund
Services, Inc. on behalf of the DGHM Funds.
37
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(11)
|
Exhibit A
to the Fund Services Agreement dated December 1, 2015 between the Registrant and
Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the CBOE Vest Funds.
27
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(12)
|
Exhibit A
to the Fund Services Agreement dated August 24, 2016 between the Registrant and
Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the CBOE Vest Enhanced Growth Funds.
28
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(13)
|
Amended Fund
Services Agreement dated July 14, 2017 between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund
Services, Inc. on behalf of the CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Dividend Aristocrats
Target Income Fund.
39
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(14)
|
Amended Fund
Services Agreement dated July 14, 2017 between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund
Services, Inc. on behalf of the Cboe Vest S&P 500
®
Enhance and Buffer
Fund.
45
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(15)
|
Exhibit A
to the Fund Services Agreement dated December 1, 2015 between the Registrant and
Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of The E-Valuator Funds.
23
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(16)
|
Exhibit A
to the Fund Services Agreement dated December 1, 2015 between the Registrant and
Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Toreador Funds.
25
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(17)
|
Fund Services
Agreement dated September 20, 2017 between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund
Services, Inc. on behalf of The SIM Funds. (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(18)
|
Accounting
Services Agreement dated August 23, 2006 between the prior Funds Registrant
and Brown Brothers Harriman with respect to Toreador International Fund and the
Global Strategic Income Fund.
10
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(19)
|
Novation Agreement
dated August 15, 2014 for Accounting Services between the Registrant and Brown Brothers
Harriman with respect to Toreador International Fund and the Global Strategic Income
Fund.
10
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(20)
|
Amended and
Restated Schedule A dated October 31, 2014 to the Accounting Services Agreement
between the Registrant and UMB Fund Services, Inc. with respect to REMS International
Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund.
7
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(21)
|
Amended and
Restated Schedule A dated January 26, 2016 to the Accounting Services Agreement
between the Registrant and UMB Fund Services, Inc. with respect to Strategic Global
Long/Short Fund.
45
|
(h)(22)
|
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. (filed
herewith)
|
|
(h)(23)
|
Expense Limitation
Agreement between the Registrant and Perkins Capital Management, Inc. with respect
to shares of the Perkins Discovery Fund.
40
|
|
(h)(24)
|
Expense Limitation
Agreement between the Registrant and Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co.,
LLC with respect to the DGHM Funds.
37
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(25)
|
Expense Limitation
Agreement between the Registrant and Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co.,
LLC with respect to the DGHM MicroCap Value Funds.
24
|
|
(h)(26)
|
Expense Limitation
Agreement between the Registrant and Real Estate Management Services Group, LLC
with respect to the REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund, and REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity
Fund.
36
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(27)
|
Expense Limitation
Agreement between the Registrant and Real Estate Management Services Group, LLC
with respect to the REMS International Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund.
45
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(28)
|
Expense Limitation
Agreement between the Registrant and B. Riley Asset Management, a division of B.
Riley Capital Management, LLC with respect to the B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund.
52
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(29)
|
Amended Expense
Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Toreador Research & Trading,
LLC with respect to the Toreador Funds.
42
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(30)
|
Expense Limitation
Agreement between the Registrant and Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC with respect
to the Mission-Auour Risk-Managed Global Equity Fund (formerly known as the Global
Strategic Income Fund. (filed herewith)
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(31)
|
Expense Limitation
Agreement between the Registrant and Strategic Asset Management, Ltd. with respect
to the Strategic Global Long/Short Fund.
19
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(32)
|
Expense Limitation
Agreement between the Registrant and CBOE Vest Financial LLC, with respect to the
CBOE Vest Funds.
27
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(33)
|
Expense Limitation
Agreement between the Registrant and CBOE Vest Financial LLC, with respect to the
CBOE Vest Enhanced Growth Funds.
28
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(34)
|
Expense Limitation
Agreement between the Registrant and CBOE Vest Financial LLC, with respect to the
CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Fund.
39
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(35)
|
Expense Limitation
Agreement between the Registrant and CBOE Vest Financial LLC, with respect to the
Cboe Vest S&P 500
®
Enhance and Buffer Fund.
45
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(36)
|
Expense Limitation
Agreement between the Registrant and Systelligence, LLC, with respect to The E-Valuator
Funds.
29
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(37)
|
Expense Limitation
Agreement between the Registrant and Secure Investment Management, LLC, with respect
to The SIM Funds. (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(38)
|
Shareholder
Services Plan, dated August 2, 2013 as amended April 21, 2016, with respect to Investor
Class Shares of the DGHM Funds.
24
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(39)
|
Shareholder
Services Plan, dated April 21, 2016, with respect to the CBOE Vest Funds Class A
Shares and Class C Shares.
27
|
(h)(40)
|
Shareholder
Services Plan, dated August 24, 2016, with respect to the CBOE Vest Enhanced Growth
Funds Class A Shares and Class C Shares.
28
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(41)
|
Amended Shareholder
Services Plan, dated July 14, 2017, with respect to the CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Fund Class A Shares, Class C Shares, Institutional
and Investor Class Shares.
39
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(42)
|
Amended Shareholder
Services Plan, dated July 14, 2017, with respect to the Cboe Vest S&P 500
®
Enhance and Buffer Fund Class A Shares, Class C Shares, Institutional Class
Shares, and Investor Class Shares.
45
|
|
(h)(43)
|
Amended Shareholder
Services Plan with respect to the REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund, REMS Real
Estate Value-Opportunity Fund and the REMS International Real Estate Value-Opportunity
Fund.
38
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(44)
|
Shareholder
Services Plan, dated April 21, 2016, with respect to The E-Valuator Funds Investor
Class Shares and Institutional Class Shares.
23
|
|
|
|
|
(h)(45)
|
Shareholder
Services Plan, dated September 20, 2017, with respect to the Mission-Auour Risk-Managed
Global Equity Fund Class A Shares, Institutional Shares and Investor Shares.
45
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(1)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for Union Street Partners Value Fund.
42
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(2)
|
Consent of
Legal Counsel for Union Street Partners Value Fund. (filed herewith)
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(3)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for Perkins Discovery Fund.
42
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(4)
|
Consent of
Legal Counsel for Perkins Discovery Fund.
40
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(5)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for DGHM All-Cap Value Fund and DGHM V2000 Small Cap Value
Fund.
42
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(6)
|
Consent of
Legal Counsel for DGHM Funds.
37
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(7)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for DGHM MicroCap Value Fund.
24
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(8)
|
Consent of
Legal Counsel for B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund.
34
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(9)
|
Consent of
Legal Counsel for Toreador Funds.
41
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(10)
|
Opinion of
Legal Counsel for Toreador International Fund.
12
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(11)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for Toreador Core Fund.
12
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(12)
|
Opinion of
Legal Counsel for Toreador Core Fund.
12
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(13)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Counsel regarding tax matters for the reorganization of the Toreador
Core Fund from the Unified Series Trust into World Funds Trust.
13
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(14)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for Toreador Explorer Fund.
11
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(15)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for Toreador Select Fund.
25
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(16)
|
Consent of
Legal Counsel for the Mission-Auour Risk-Managed Global Equity Fund formerly known
as the Global Strategic Income Fund).
45
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(17)
|
Opinion of
Legal Counsel for the European Equity Fund (now the Global Strategic Income Fund).
9
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(18)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for REMS International Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund.
42
|
(i)(19)
|
Consent of
Legal Counsel for REMS International Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund.
15
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(20)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund.
5
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(21)
|
Opinion of
Legal Counsel for REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund.
9
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(22)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund.
6
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(23)
|
Opinion of
Legal Counsel for REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund.
9
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(24)
|
Consent of
Legal Counsel for REMS International Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund, REMS Real
Estate Income 50/50 Fund and REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund.
38
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(25)
|
Opinion and
Consent for Select Value Real Estate Securities Fund.
43
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(26)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for Clifford Capital Partners Fund.
18
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(27)
|
Consent of
Legal Counsel for Clifford Capital Partners Fund.
46
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(28)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for Strategic Global Long/Short Fund.
19
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(29)
|
Consent of
Legal Counsel for Strategic Global Long/Short Fund.
32
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(30)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for CBOE Vest Funds.
27
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(31)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for CBOE Vest Enhanced Growth Funds.
28
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(32)
|
Consent of
Legal Counsel for CBOE Vest Funds and CBOE Vest Enhanced Growth Funds.
33
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(33)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Dividend Aristocrats
Target Income Fund.
39
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(34)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for Cboe Vest S&P 500
®
Enhance and Buffer
Fund.
44
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(35)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Buffer Protect Strategy
Fund, CBOE Vest Defined Distribution Strategy Fund, CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Enhanced
Growth Strategy Fund, and CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Dividend Aristocrats
Target Income Fund with respect to the Class Y Shares. (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(36)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for The E-Valuator Funds.
23
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(37)
|
Consent of
Legal Counsel for The E-Valuator Funds.
29
|
|
|
|
|
(i)(38)
|
Opinion and
Consent of Legal Counsel for The SIM Funds. (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
|
|
|
(j)(1)
|
Consent of
independent public accountants for Union Street Partners Value Fund.(filed herewith)
|
|
|
|
|
(j)(2)
|
Consent of
independent public accountants for Perkins Discovery Fund.
40
|
|
|
|
|
(j)(3)
|
Consent of
independent public accountants for DGHM Funds.
37
|
|
|
|
|
(j)(4)
|
Consent of
Independent Certified Public Accountants, Grant Thornton LLP for the DGHM MicroCap,
G.P.
24
|
(j)(5)
|
Consent of
Independent Certified Public Accountants, Grant Thornton LLP for the DGHM MicroCap,
G.P.
37
|
|
|
|
|
(j)(6)
|
Consent of
independent public accountants for REMS International Real Estate Value-Opportunity
Fund, REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund, and REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity
Fund.
38
|
|
|
|
|
(j)(7)
|
Consent of
Independent Registered Public Accounting firm for B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund.
34
|
|
|
|
|
(j)(8)
|
Consent of
Independent Registered Public Accounting firm for the Toreador Funds.
41
|
|
|
|
|
(j)(9)
|
Consent of
Independent Registered Public Accounting firm for the Mission-Auour Risk-Managed
Global Equity Fund (formerly known as the Global Strategic Income Fund).
45
|
|
|
|
|
(j)(10)
|
Consent of
Independent Registered Public Accounting firm for Clifford Capital Partners Fund.
46
|
|
|
|
|
(j)(11)
|
Consent of
Independent Registered Public Accounting firm for CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Buffer
Protect Strategy Fund and CBOE Vest Defined Distribution Strategy Fund.
33
|
|
|
|
|
(j)(12)
|
Consent of
auditor for The E-Valuator CIF Financial Statements.
29
|
|
|
|
|
(j)(13)
|
Consent of
Independent Registered Public Accounting firm for The E-Valuator Funds.
29
|
|
|
|
|
(j)(14)
|
Consent of
Independent Registered Public Accounting firm for Strategic Global Long/Short Fund.
32
|
|
|
|
|
(k)
|
Not applicable.
|
|
(l)
|
Not applicable.
|
|
(m)(1)
|
Amended Schedule
A to the Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Union Street Partners Value
Fund.
7
|
|
(m)(2)
|
Fixed Compensation
Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Perkins Discovery Fund.
2
|
|
(m)(3)
|
Distribution
Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the Investor Class Shares and Class C Shares of
the DGHM Funds.
24
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(4)
|
Distribution
Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated November 26, 2013, for the Investor Class Shares
of the B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund.
3
|
|
(m)(5)
|
Distribution
Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated December 21, 2016, for the Investor Class Shares
and Class C Shares of the Toreador Funds.
41
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(6)
|
Distribution
Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated August 15, 2014, for the Class A Shares and Class
C Shares of the Mission-Auour Risk-Managed Global Equity Fund (formerly known as
the Global Strategic Income Fund).
45
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(7)
|
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.
5
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(8)
|
Distribution
Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated August 15, 2014, for the Platform Class Shares
of the REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund.
6
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(9)
|
Distribution
Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated May 16, 2017, for the Platform Class Shares of
the REMS International Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund.
38
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(10)
|
Distribution
Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated May 16, 2014, for the Class A Shares, of the
B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund.
3
|
(m)(11)
|
Distribution
Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated November 10, 2015, for the Clifford Capital Partners
Fund.
18
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(12)
|
Amended Distribution
and Shareholder Services Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated February 18, 2016, for
the Strategic Global Long/Short Fund.
19
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(13)
|
Distribution
Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated July 6, 2016, for the CBOE Vest Funds.
27
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(14)
|
Distribution
Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated August 24, 2016, for the CBOE Vest Enhanced Growth
Funds.
28
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(15)
|
Amended Distribution
Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated July 14, 2017 for the CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Fund.
39
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(16)
|
Amended Distribution
Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated July 14, 2017 for the Cboe Vest S&P 500
®
Enhance and Buffer Fund.
45
|
|
|
|
|
(m)(17)
|
Distribution
Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, dated April 21, 2016, for The E-Valuator Funds.
23
|
|
|
|
|
(n)(1)
|
Rule 18f-3
Multiple Class Plan for the Union Street Partners Value Fund. (filed herewith)
|
|
(n)(2)
|
Rule 18f-3
Multiple Class Plan for the DGHM Funds.
37
|
|
|
|
|
(n)(3)
|
Rule 18f-3
Multiple Class Plan for the B. Riley Diversified Equity Fund.
34
|
|
(n)(4)
|
Rule 18f-3
Multiple Class Plan for the Toreador Funds.
41
|
|
|
|
|
(n)(5)
|
Rule 18f-3
Multiple Class Plan for the Mission-Auour Risk-Managed Global Equity Fund (formerly
known as the Global Strategic Income Fund).
45
|
|
|
|
|
(n)(6)
|
Amended Rule
18f-3 Multiple Class Plan for the REMS Real Estate Income 50/50 Fund, REMS International
Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund and the REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund.
38
|
|
|
|
|
(n)(7)
|
Rule 18f-3
Multiple Class Plan for the Clifford Capital Partners Fund.
18
|
|
|
|
|
(n)(8)
|
Rule 18f-3
Multiple Class Plan for the Strategic Global Long/Short Fund.
19
|
|
|
|
|
(n)(9)
|
Rule 18f-3
Multiple Class Plan for the CBOE Vest Funds.
27
|
|
|
|
|
(n)(10)
|
Rule 18f-3
Multiple Class Plan for the CBOE Vest Enhanced Growth Funds.
28
|
|
|
|
|
(n)(11)
|
Amended Rule
18f-3 Multiple Class Plan for the CBOE Vest S&P 500
®
Dividend Aristocrats
Target Income Fund.
39
|
|
|
|
|
(n)(12)
|
Amended Rule
18f-3 Multiple Class Plan for the Cboe Vest S&P 500
®
Enhance and
Buffer Fund.
45
|
|
|
|
|
(n)(13)
|
Rule 18f-3
Multiple Class Plan for The E-Valuator Funds.
23
|
|
|
|
|
(o)
|
Reserved.
|
|
|
|
|
(p)(1)
|
Code of Ethics
for the Registrant.
41
|
|
(p)(2)
|
Code of Ethics
for Union Street Partners, LLC.
42
|
|
|
|
|
(p)(3)
|
Code of Ethics
for McGinn Investment Management, Inc.
5
|
(p)(4)
|
Code of Ethics
for Perkins Capital Management, Inc.
42
|
|
(p)(5)
|
Code of Ethics
for Real Estate Management Services Group, LLC.
38
|
|
|
|
|
(p)(6)
|
Code of Ethics
for B. Riley Asset Management, a division of B. Riley Capital Management, LLC.
42
|
|
|
|
|
(p)(7)
|
Code of Ethics
for Toreador Research & Trading, LLC.
8
|
|
(p)(8)
|
Code of Ethics
for Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC dba Mission Funds Advisors.
45
|
|
|
|
|
(p)(9)
|
Code of Ethics
for Auour Investments, LLC.
45
|
|
|
|
|
(p)(10)
|
Code of Ethics
for Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC.
42
|
|
|
|
|
(p)(11)
|
Code of Ethics
for Strategic Asset Management, Ltd.
7
|
|
|
|
|
(p)(12)
|
Code of Ethics
for Clifford Capital Partners, LLC.
18
|
|
|
|
|
(p)(13)
|
Code of Ethics
for CBOE Vest Financial LLC.
44
|
|
|
|
|
(p)(14)
|
Code of Ethics
for Systelligence, LLC
23
|
|
|
|
|
(p)(15)
|
Code of Ethics
for Secure Investment Management, LLC (to be filed by amendment)
|
|
|
|
|
(q)
|
Powers of
Attorney.
42
|
|
|
|
|
1.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on June
30, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
2.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on July
29, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
3.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August
1, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
4.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August
15, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
5.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August
15, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
6.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August
15, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
7.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on October
31, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
8.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on December
29, 2014. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
9.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on January
28, 2015. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
10.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on March
31, 2015. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
11.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on April
29, 2015. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
12.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on May
8, 2015. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
13.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August
6, 2015. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
14.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August
28, 2015. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
15.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on September
16, 2015. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
16.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on November
6, 2015. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
17.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on November
20, 2015. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
18.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on February
8, 2016. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
19.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on February
23, 2016. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
20.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on April
29, 2016. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
21.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on April
29, 2016. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
22.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on April
29, 2016. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
23.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on May
26, 2016. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
24.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on May
31, 2016. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
25.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on June
30, 2016. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
26.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on July
29, 2016. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
27.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August
23, 2016. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
28.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on December
12, 2016. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
29.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on December
23, 2016. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
30.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on January
30, 2017. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
31.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on January
30, 2017. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
32.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on January
30, 2017. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
33.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on February
28, 2017. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
34.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on April
28, 2017. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
35.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on April
28, 2017. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
36.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on April
28, 2017. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
37.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on June
28, 2017. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
38.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on June
29, 2017. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
39.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on July
24, 2017. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
40.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on July
31, 2017. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
41.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on August
28, 2017. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
42.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on October
4, 2017. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
43.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on October
24, 2017. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
44.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on November
7, 2017. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
45.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on December
28, 2017. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
|
46.
|
Incorporated
by reference to Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on January
29, 2018. (File Nos. 333-148723 and 811-22172).
|
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.
Name of Investment
Adviser / Sub-Adviser
|
Form ADV File
No.
|
Union Street
Partners, LLC
|
801-72120
|
McGinn Investment
Management, Inc.
|
801-40578
|
Dalton, Greiner,
Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC
|
801-62895
|
Perkins Capital
Management, Inc.
|
801-22888
|
B. Riley Asset
Management, a division of B. Riley Capital Management, LLC
|
801-78852
|
Real Estate
Management Services Group, LLC
|
801-61061
|
Mission Institutional
Advisors, LLC dba Mission Funds Advisors
|
801-111759
|
Auour Investments,
LLC
|
801-80544
|
Toreador Research
& Trading, LLC
|
801-66461
|
Strategic
Asset Management, Ltd.
|
801-70903
|
Clifford Capital
Partners, LLC
|
801-78911
|
CBOE Vest
Financial LLC
|
801-77463
|
Systelligence,
LLC
|
801-107695
|
Secure Investment
Management, LLC
|
801-80752
|
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)
|
First Dominion
Capital Corporation, 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235
(records relating to its function as distributor to the Funds).
|
|
c)
|
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).
|
|
|
|
|
d)
|
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).
|
|
e)
|
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).
|
|
f)
|
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).
|
|
|
|
|
g)
|
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).
|
|
|
|
|
h)
|
B. Riley Asset
Management, a division of B. Riley Capital 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).
|
|
|
|
|
i)
|
Toreador Research
& Trading, LLC, 7493 N. Ingram Avenue, Suite 104, Fresno, California 93711
(records relating to its function as the investment adviser to the Toreador Funds).
|
j)
|
Mission Institutional
Advisors, LLC dba Mission Funds Advisors, 2651 North Harwood Street, Suite 525,
Dallas, Texas 75201 (records relating to its function as the investment adviser
to the Mission-Auour Risk-Managed Global Equity Fund).
|
|
|
|
|
k)
|
Auour Investments,
LLC, 162 Main Street, Suite 2, Wenham, Massachusetts 01984 (records relating to
its function as sub-adviser to the Mission-Auour Risk-Managed Global Equity Fund).
|
|
|
|
|
l)
|
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 and
Strategic Global Long/Short Fund).
|
|
|
|
|
m)
|
Clifford Capital
Partners, LLC, 40 Shuman Boulevard, Suite 256, Napierville, Illinois, 60563 (records
relating to its function as the investment adviser to the Clifford Capital Partners
Fund).
|
|
|
|
|
n)
|
CBOE Vest
Financial LLC, 1765 Greensboro Station Place, 9th Floor, McLean, Virginia 22102
(records relating to its function as the investment adviser to the CBOE Vest Funds).
|
|
|
|
|
o)
|
Systelligence,
LLC, 7760 France Avenue South, Suite 810, Bloomington, Minnesota 55435 (records
relating to its function as the investment adviser to The E-Valuator Funds).
|
|
|
|
|
p)
|
Secure Investment
Management, LLC, 3067 W Ina Road, Suite 125, Tucson, Arizona 85741 (records relating
to its function as the investment adviser to The SIM Funds).
|
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. 275 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 29 th day of January, 2018.
WORLD FUNDS TRUST
|
|
By: /s/ David A. Bogaert
|
|
David A. Bogaert
|
|
President
and Principal Executive Officer
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 275 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
EXHIBITS | ||
(d)(9)
|
Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC
dba Mission Funds Advisers with respect to the Mission-Auour Risk-Managed Global
Equity Fund (formerly known as the Global Strategic Income Fund).
|
|
(d)(10)
|
Investment
Sub-Advisory Agreement between Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC and Auour Investment,
LLC with respect to the Mission-Auour Risk-Managed Global Equity Fund (formerly
known as the Global Strategic Income Fund).
|
|
(g)(12)
|
Amended Exhibit
A to the Custody Agreement between the Registrant and Fifth Third Bank on behalf
of certain portfolio series.
|
|
(h)(2)
|
Amendment
No. 1 and Exhibit A to the Fund Services Agreement dated December 1, 2015 between
the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Union Street
Partners Value Fund.
|
|
(h)(22)
|
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.
|
|
(h)(30)
|
Expense Limitation
Agreement between the Registrant and Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC with respect
to the Mission-Auour Risk-Managed Global Equity Fund (formerly known as the Global
Strategic Income Fund.
|
|
(i)(2)
|
Consent of
Legal Counsel for Union Street Partners Value Fund.
|
|
(j)(1)
|
Consent of
independent public accountants for Union Street Partners Value Fund.
|
|
(n)(1)
|
Rule 18f-3
Multiple Class Plan for the Union Street Partners Value Fund.
|
INVESTMENT ADVISORY
AGREEMENT
THIS INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (the Agreement) is made as of this 28 th day of December 2017 by and between World Funds Trust (the Trust), a Texas statutory trust registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), and Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC (the Adviser), a Delaware limited liability company.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees (the Board) of the Trust has selected the Adviser to act as investment adviser to the series portfolios of the Trust set forth on the Schedule(s) A to this Agreement (each, a Fund and collectively, the Funds), as such Schedule As may be amended from time to time upon mutual agreement of the parties, and to provide certain related services, as more fully set forth below, and to perform such services under the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and benefits set forth herein, the Trust and the Adviser do hereby agree as follows:
1. | THE ADVISERS SERVICES . | |||
(a) |
Discretionary
Investment Management Services
. The Adviser shall act as investment adviser with
respect to each Fund. In such capacity, the Adviser shall, subject to the supervision
of the Board, regularly provide each Fund with investment research, advice and supervision
and shall furnish continuously an investment program for each Fund, consistent with
the respective investment objectives and policies of each Fund. The Adviser shall
determine, from time to time, what securities shall be purchased for each Fund,
what securities shall be held or sold by each Fund and what portion of each Funds assets shall be held uninvested in cash, subject always to the provisions
of the Trusts Agreement and Declaration of Trust (Declaration of Trust), as amended and supplemented (the Declaration of Trust), Bylaws
and its registration statement on Form N-1A (the Registration Statement)
under the 1940 Act, and under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933
Act), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission), and with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of each Fund,
as each of the same shall be from time to time in effect. To carry out such obligations,
and to the extent not prohibited by any of the foregoing, the Adviser shall exercise
full discretion and act for each Fund in the same manner and with the same force
and effect as each Fund itself might or could do with respect to purchases, sales
or other transactions, as well as with respect to all other such things necessary
or incidental to the furtherance or conduct of such purchases, sales or other transactions.
No reference in this Agreement to the Adviser having full discretionary authority
over each Funds investments shall in any way limit the right of the Board,
in its sole discretion, to establish or revise policies in connection with the management
of a Funds assets or to otherwise exercise its right to control the overall
management of a Fund.
|
|||
(b) |
Compliance
. The Adviser agrees to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act,
|
1
the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the Advisers Act), the 1933 Act, the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), and the
respective rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as well as with all
other applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations that relate to the
services and relationships described hereunder and to the conduct of its business
as a registered investment adviser. The Adviser also agrees to comply with the objectives,
policies and restrictions set forth in the Registration Statement, as amended or
supplemented, of each Fund, and with any policies, guidelines, instructions and
procedures approved by the Board and provided to the Adviser. In selecting each
Funds portfolio securities and performing the Advisers obligations hereunder,
the Adviser shall cause the Fund to comply with the diversification and source of
income requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the Code), for qualification as a regulated investment company. The
Adviser shall maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate
to ensure its compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity undertaken
by the Board shall limit the Advisers full responsibility for any of the foregoing.
|
||||
(c) |
Recordkeeping
. The Adviser agrees to preserve any Trust records that it creates or possesses
that are required to be maintained under the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder (Fund Books and Records) for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under
the 1940 Act. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act,
the Adviser agrees that all such records are the property of the Trust and will
surrender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trusts request.
|
|||
(d) |
Holdings
Information and Pricing
. The Adviser shall provide regular reports regarding
Fund holdings, and shall, on its own initiative, furnish the Trust and its Board
from time to time with whatever information the Adviser believes is appropriate
for this purpose, and at the request of the Board, such information and reports
requested by the Board. The Adviser agrees to notify the Trust as soon as practicable
if the Adviser reasonably believes that the value of any security held by a Fund
may not reflect fair value. The Adviser agrees to provide any pricing information
of which the Adviser is aware to the Trust, its Board and/or any Fund pricing agent
to assist in the determination of the fair value of any Fund holdings for which
market quotations are not readily available or as otherwise required in accordance
with the 1940 Act or the Trusts valuation procedures for the purpose of calculating
the Fund net asset value in accordance with procedures and methods established by
the Board.
|
|||
(e) |
Cooperation
with Agents of the Trust
. The Adviser agrees to cooperate with and provide reasonable
assistance to the Trust, any Trust custodian or foreign sub- custodians, any Trust
pricing agents and all other agents and representatives of the Trust with respect
to such information regarding each Fund as such entities may reasonably request
from time to time in the performance of their obligations, provide prompt responses
to reasonable requests made by such persons and use appropriate interfaces established
by such persons so as to promote the efficient exchange of information and compliance
with applicable laws and regulations.
|
|||
(f) |
Delegation
of Authority
. Any of the duties, responsibilities and obligations of the Adviser
specified in this Section 1 and throughout the remainder of this Agreement with
respect to one or more Funds may be delegated by the Adviser, at the Advisers
|
2
expense, to
an appropriate party (a Sub-Adviser), subject to such approval by the
Board and shareholders of the applicable Funds to the extent required by the 1940
Act. The Adviser shall oversee the performance of delegated duties by any Sub- Adviser
and shall furnish the Board with periodic reports concerning the performance of
delegated responsibilities by such Sub-Adviser. The retention of a Sub-Adviser by
the Adviser pursuant to this Paragraph 1(f) shall in no way reduce the responsibilities
and obligations of the Adviser under this Agreement and the Adviser shall be responsible
to the Trust for all acts or omissions of any Sub-Adviser to the same extent the
Adviser would be liable hereunder. Insofar as the provisions of this Agreement impose
any restrictions, conditions, limitations or requirements on the Adviser, the Adviser
shall take measures through its contract with, or its oversight of, the Sub-Adviser
that attempt to impose similar (insofar as the circumstances may require) restrictions,
conditions, limitations or requirements on the Sub-Adviser.
|
||||
2. |
CODE OF ETHICS
. The Adviser has adopted a written code of ethics (Advisers Code of Ethics) that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements
of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which it has provided to the Trust. The Adviser
has adopted procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance with the Advisers Code of Ethics. Upon request, the Adviser shall provide the Trust with a
(i) copy of the Advisers Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and
any proposed amendments thereto that the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)
of the Trust determines should be presented to the Board, and (ii) certification
that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from
engaging in any conduct prohibited by the Advisers Code of Ethics. Annually,
the Adviser shall furnish a written report to the Board, which complies with the
requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Advisers Code of Ethics. The Adviser
shall respond to requests for information from the Trust as to violations of the
Advisers Code of Ethics by Access Persons and the sanctions imposed by the
Adviser. The Adviser shall notify the Trust as soon as practicable after it becomes
aware of any material violation of the Advisers Code of Ethics, whether or
not such violation relates to a security held by any Fund.
|
|||
3. |
INFORMATION AND REPORTING
. The Adviser shall provide the Trust and its respective
officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Adviser has assumed
under this Agreement as the Trust may from time to time reasonably request.
|
|||
(a) |
Notification
of Breach / Compliance Reports
. The Adviser shall notify the Trusts CCO
promptly upon detection of: (i) any material failure to manage any Fund in accordance
with its investment objectives and policies or any applicable law; or (ii) any material
breach of any of each Funds or the Advisers policies, guidelines or
procedures with respect to the Fund. In addition, the Adviser shall respond to quarterly
requests for information concerning the Funds compliance with its investment
objectives and policies, applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940
Act and Subchapter M of the Code, and the Funds policies, guidelines or procedures
as applicable to the Advisers obligations under this Agreement. The Adviser
agrees to correct any such failure promptly and to take any action that the Board
may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. Upon request, the Adviser
shall also provide the officers of the Trust with supporting certifications in connection
with such certifications of Fund financial statements and disclosure controls pursuant
to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Adviser will promptly notify the Trust in the event:
(x) the Adviser is served or otherwise receives notice of any action, suit, proceeding,
inquiry or investigation, at law or in equity, before or by any
|
3
court, public
board, or body, involving the affairs of the Trust (excluding class action suits
in which a Fund is a member of the plaintiff class by reason of the Funds
ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Adviser with the
federal or state securities laws; or (y) of an actual change in control of the Adviser
resulting in an assignment (as defined in Section 15) that has occurred
or is otherwise proposed to occur.
|
||||
(b) |
Board and
Filings Information
. The Adviser will also provide the Trust with any information
reasonably requested regarding its management of each Fund required for any meeting
of the Board, or for any shareholder report on Form N-CSR, Form N-Q, Form N-PX,
Form N-SAR, Registration Statement or any amendment thereto, proxy statement, prospectus
supplement, or other form or document to be filed by the Trust with the Commission.
The Adviser will make its officers and employees available to meet with the Board
from time to time on a reasonable basis on due notice to review its investment management
services to each Fund in light of current and prospective economic and market conditions
and shall furnish to the Board such information as may reasonably be necessary in
order for the Board to evaluate this Agreement or any proposed amendments thereto.
|
|||
(c) |
Transaction
Information
. The Adviser shall furnish to the Trust such information concerning
portfolio transactions as may be necessary to enable the Trust or its designated
agent to perform such compliance testing on each Fund and the Advisers services
as the Trust may, in its sole discretion, determine to be appropriate. The provision
of such information by the Adviser to the Trust or its designated agent in no way
relieves the Adviser of its own responsibilities under this Agreement.
|
|||
4. | BROKERAGE . | |||
(a) |
Principal
Transactions
. In connection with purchases or sales of securities for the account
of a Fund, neither the Adviser nor any of its directors, officers or employees will
act as a principal or agent or receive any commission except as permitted by the
1940 Act.
|
|||
(b) |
Placement
of Orders
. The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio
securities for each Funds account with brokers or dealers selected by the
Adviser. The Adviser will not execute transactions with a broker dealer which is
an affiliated person of the Trust except in accordance with procedures adopted
by the Board. The Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio
transactions at prices which are advantageous to each Fund and at commission rates
which are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In selecting brokers
or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may
be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are
defined in Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act) to each Fund and/or the other accounts
over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser
is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research
services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for each Fund which
is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged
for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such
|
4
amount of
commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research
services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in
terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which
the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise
investment discretion. The Board shall periodically review the commissions paid
by each Fund to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of
time were reasonable in relation to the benefits received by each Fund.
|
||||
5. |
CUSTODY
. Nothing in this Agreement shall permit the Adviser to take or receive
physical possession of cash, securities or other investments of a Fund.
|
|||
6. |
ALLOCATION OF CHARGES AND EXPENSES
. The Adviser will bear its own costs of providing
services hereunder. Other than as herein specifically indicated or otherwise agreed
to in a separate signed writing, the Adviser shall not be responsible for a Funds expenses, including brokerage and other expenses incurred in placing orders
for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments.
|
|||
7. | REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS . | |||
(a) |
Properly
Registered
. The Adviser is registered with the Commission as an investment adviser
under the Advisers Act, and will remain so registered for the duration of this Agreement.
The Adviser is not prohibited by the Advisers Act or the 1940 Act from performing
the services contemplated by this Agreement, and to the best knowledge of the Adviser,
there is no proceeding or investigation pending or threatened that is reasonably
likely to result in the Adviser being prohibited from performing the services contemplated
by this Agreement. The Adviser agrees to promptly notify the Trust of the occurrence
of any event that would disqualify the Adviser from serving as an investment adviser
to an investment company. The Adviser is in compliance in all material respects
with all applicable federal and state law in connection with its investment management
operations.
|
|||
(b) |
ADV Disclosure
. The Adviser has provided the Board with a copy of its Form ADV and will, promptly
after amending its Form ADV, furnish a copy of such amendments to the Trust. The
information contained in the Advisers Form ADV is accurate and complete in
all material respects and does not omit to state any material fact necessary in
order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading.
|
|||
(c) |
Fund Disclosure
Documents
. The Adviser has reviewed and will in the future review the Registration
Statement and any amendments or supplements thereto, the annual or semi-annual
reports to shareholders, other reports filed with the Commission and any marketing
material of a Fund (collectively the Disclosure Documents) and represents
and warrants that with respect to disclosure about the Adviser, the manner in which
the Adviser manages the Fund or information relating directly or indirectly to the
Adviser, such Disclosure Documents contain or will contain, as of the date thereof,
no untrue statement of any material fact and do not and will not omit any statement
of material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements contained therein not misleading.
|
5
(d) |
Use of the
Names Mission Funds and Auour.
The Adviser has the right
to use the names Mission Funds and Auour or any derivation
thereof in connection with its services to the Trust and, subject to the terms set
forth in Section 8 of this Agreement, the Trust shall have the right to use the
name Mission Funds and Auour in connection with the management
and operation of each Fund. The Adviser is not aware of any actions, claims, litigation
or proceedings existing or threatened that would adversely affect or prejudice the
rights of the Adviser or the Trust to use the name Mission Funds and
Auour.
|
|||
(e) |
Insurance
.
The Adviser maintains errors and omissions insurance coverage in the amount disclosed
to the Trust in connection with the Boards approval of the Agreement and shall
provide prior written notice to the Trust: (i) of any material changes in its insurance
policies or insurance coverage; or (ii) if any material claims will be made on its
insurance policies. Furthermore, the Adviser shall, upon reasonable request, provide
the Trust with any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of
or scope of such insurance.
|
|||
(f) |
No Detrimental
Agreement
. The Adviser represents and warrants that it has no arrangement or understanding
with any party, other than the Trust, that would influence the decision of the Adviser
with respect to its selection of securities for a Fund and its management of the
assets of the Fund, and that all selections shall be done in accordance with what
is in the best interest of the Fund.
|
|||
(g) |
Conflicts
.
The Adviser shall act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of its clients
and the Fund. The Adviser maintains a Code of Ethics which defines the standards
by which the Adviser conducts its operations consistent with its fiduciary duties
and other obligations under applicable law.
|
|||
(h) |
Representations
.
The representations and warranties in this Section 7 shall be deemed to be made
on the date this Agreement is executed and at the time of delivery of the quarterly
compliance report required by Section 3(a), whether or not specifically referenced
in such report.
|
|||
8. |
THE NAMES Mission Mission Funds AND Auour.
The
Adviser grants to the Trust a license to use the names Mission, Mission
Funds and Auour (the Names) as part of the name of
any Fund during the term of this Agreement. The foregoing authorization by the Adviser
to the Trust to use the Names as part of the name of any Fund is not exclusive of
the right of the Adviser itself to use, or to authorize others to use, the Names;
the Trust acknowledges and agrees that, as between the Trust and the Adviser, the
Adviser has the right to use, or authorize others to use, the Names. The Trust shall:
(i) only use the Names in a manner consistent with uses approved by the Adviser;
(ii) use its best efforts to maintain the quality of the services offered using
the Names; and (iii) adhere to such other specific quality control standards as
the Adviser may from time to time promulgate. At the request of the Adviser, the
Trust will (i) submit to the Adviser representative samples of any promotional materials
using the Names, and (ii) change the name of any Fund within three months of its
receipt of the Advisers request, or such other shorter time period as may
be required under the terms of a settlement agreement or court order, so as to eliminate
all reference to the Names and will not thereafter transact any business using the
Names in the name of any Fund. As soon as practicable following the termination
of this Agreement, but in no event longer than three months, the Trust shall cease
the use of
|
6
the Names and any related logos or any confusingly similar name and/or logo in connection
with the marketing or operation of the Funds.
|
|||||||
9. |
ADVISERS COMPENSATION
. Each Fund shall pay to the Adviser, as compensation
for the Advisers services hereunder, a fee, determined as described in each
Schedule A that is attached hereto and made a part hereof. Such fee shall be computed
daily and paid not less than monthly in arrears by each Fund. The method for determining
net assets of a Fund for purposes hereof shall be the same as the method for determining
net assets for purposes of establishing the offering and redemption prices of Fund
shares as described in the Funds Registration Statement. In the event of termination
of this Agreement, the fee provided in this Section shall be computed on the basis
of the period ending on the last business day on which this Agreement is in effect
subject to a pro rata adjustment based on the number of days elapsed in the current
month as a percentage of the total number of days in such month.
|
||||||
10. |
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
. In the performance of its duties hereunder, the Adviser
is and shall be an independent contractor and, unless otherwise expressly provided
herein or otherwise authorized in writing, shall have no authority to act for or
represent the Trust or any Fund in any way or otherwise be deemed to be an agent
of the Trust or any Fund. If any occasion should arise in which the Adviser gives
any advice to its clients concerning the shares of a Fund, the Adviser will act
solely as investment counsel for such clients and not in any way on behalf of the
Fund.
|
||||||
11. |
ASSIGNMENT AND AMENDMENTS
. This Agreement shall automatically terminate, without
the payment of any penalty, in the event of its assignment (as defined
in Section 15). This Agreement may not be added to or changed orally and may not
be modified or rescinded except by a writing signed by the parties hereto and in
accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act, when applicable.
|
||||||
12. | DURATION AND TERMINATION . | ||||||
(a) |
This Agreement
shall become effective as of the date executed with respect to a particular Fund
(the Effective Date) and shall remain in full force and effect continually
thereafter, subject to renewal as provided in Section 12(a)(ii) hereof and unless
terminated automatically as set forth in Section 11 hereof or until terminated as
follows:
|
||||||
i. |
Either party
hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days prior written notice to the other,
terminate this Agreement, without payment of any penalty. With respect to a Fund,
termination may be authorized by action of the Board or by an affirmative
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined
in Section 15); or
|
||||||
ii. |
This Agreement
shall automatically terminate two years from the date of its execution with respect
to a particular Fund unless the terms of such contract and any renewal thereof is
specifically approved at least annually thereafter by (i) a majority vote of the
Trustees, including a majority vote of such Trustees who are not parties to the
Agreement or interested persons (as defined in Section 15) of the Trust
or the Adviser, at an in-person meeting
|
7
called for
the purpose of voting on such approval, or (ii) the vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of each Fund; provided, however, that if the continuance of this
Agreement is submitted to the shareholders of each Fund for their approval and such
shareholders fail to approve such continuance of this Agreement as provided herein,
the Adviser may continue to serve hereunder as to each Fund in a manner consistent
with the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
|
|||||||
(b) |
In the event of termination of this Agreement for any reason, the Adviser shall,
immediately upon notice of termination or on such later date as may be specified
in such notice, cease all activity on behalf of the Fund and with respect to any
of its assets, except as otherwise required by any fiduciary duties of the Adviser
under applicable law. In addition, the Adviser shall deliver the Fund Books and
Records to the Trust by such means and in accordance with such schedule as the Trust
shall direct and shall otherwise cooperate, as reasonably directed by the Trust,
in the transition of portfolio asset management to any successor of the Adviser.
|
||||||
13. |
NOTICE
. Any notice or other communication required by or permitted to be given
in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing, and shall be delivered in
person or sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the respective parties at
their last known address, or by e-mail or fax to a designated contact of the other
party or such other address as the parties may designate from time to time. Oral
instructions may be given if authorized by the Board and preceded by a certificate
from the Trusts Secretary so attesting. Notices to the Trust shall be directed
to Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond,
VA, 23235 Attention: President; and notices to the Adviser shall be directed to
Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC, 2651 North Harwood Street, Suite 525, Dallas,
TX 75201, Attention: Michael Young.
|
||||||
14. |
CONFIDENTIALITY
. The Adviser agrees on behalf of itself and its employees
to treat confidentially all records and other information relative to the Trust
and its shareholders received by the Adviser in connection with this Agreement,
including any non-public personal information as defined in Regulation S-P, and
that it shall not use or disclose any such information except for the purpose of
carrying out the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the Adviser may
disclose such information as required by law or in connection with any requested
disclosure to a regulatory authority with appropriate jurisdiction after prior notification
to the Trust.
|
||||||
15. |
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
. For the purpose of this Agreement, the terms affirmative
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, assignment and interested person shall have their respective meanings as
defined in the 1940 Act and rules and regulations thereunder, subject, however,
to such exemptions as may be granted by the Commission under the 1940 Act or any
interpretations of the Commission staff.
|
||||||
16. |
LIABILITY OF THE ADVISER
. Neither the Adviser nor its officers, directors,
employees, agents, affiliated persons or controlling persons or assigns shall be
liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss arising out of
any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of securities transactions
of a Fund; provided that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the
Adviser against any liability to a Fund or its shareholders to which the Adviser
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence in the performance of its duties or obligations
|
8
hereunder or by reason of its reckless disregard of its duties or obligations hereunder. | ||
17. | RELATIONS WITH THE TRUST . It is understood that the Trustees, officers and shareholders of the Trust are or may be or become interested persons of the Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and stockholders of the Adviser are or may be or become interested persons of the Fund, and that the Adviser may be or become interested persons of the Fund as a shareholder or otherwise. | |
18. |
ENFORCEABILITY
. If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, in
conflict with any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion or portions shall
be considered severable and not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the
parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain the
particular part, term or provision held to be illegal or invalid. This Agreement
shall be severable as to each Fund.
|
|
19. |
LIMITATION
OF LIABILITY
. The Adviser is expressly put on notice of the limitation of liability
as set forth in the Declaration of Trust or other Trust organizational documents
and agrees that the obligations assumed by each Fund pursuant to this Agreement
shall be limited in all cases to each Fund and each Funds respective assets,
and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from shareholders
or any shareholder of each Fund. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction
of any such obligations from the Trustees of the Trust or any individual Trustee.
The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Fund under the Declaration
of Trust or other organizational document are separate and distinct from those of
any of and all other Funds.
|
|
20. |
NON-EXCLUSIVE
SERVICES
. The services of the Adviser to the Trust are not deemed exclusive, and
the Adviser shall be free to render similar services to others, to the extent that
such service does not affect the Advisers ability to perform its duties and
obligations hereunder.
|
|
21. |
GOVERNING
LAW
. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed to be in accordance with
the laws of the State of Delaware, without preference to choice of law principles
thereof, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. To the
extent that the applicable laws of the State of Delaware, or any of the provisions
herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall
control. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement
having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940
Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and
to any interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or in the absence
of any controlling decision of any such court, by the Commission or its staff. In
addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act, reflected in any provision
of this Agreement, is revised by rule, regulation, order or interpretation of the
Commission or its staff, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect
of such revised rule, regulation, order or interpretation.
|
|
22. |
PARAGRAPH
HEADINGS; SYNTAX
. All Section headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience
of reference only, do not form a part of this Agreement and will not affect in any
way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Words used herein, regardless
of the number and gender specifically used, will be deemed and construed to include
any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine,
or neuter, as the contract requires.
|
|
9
23. |
COUNTERPARTS
. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which,
when so executed, shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall
together constitute but one and the same instrument.
|
* * * * * * | ||
Signature Page to Follow | ||
* * * * * * |
10
SIGNATURE PAGE |
Investment Advisory Agreement |
Between |
World Funds Trust (the Trust) and |
Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC (the Adviser) |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be signed on their behalf by their duly authorized officers effective as of the Effective Date noted on each Schedule A to this agreement.
World Funds Trust | Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC | |||||
By: | /s/ David A. Bogaert | By: | /s/ Michael A. Young | |||
Name: | David A. Bogaert | Name: | Michael A. Young | |||
Title: | President and Principal Executive Officer | Title: | President & Chief Operating Officer |
11
SCHEDULE A-1 |
Investment Advisory Agreement |
between |
World Funds Trust (the Trust) and |
Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC (the Adviser) |
The Trust
will pay to the Adviser as compensation for the Advisers services rendered,
a fee, computed daily at an annual rate based on the average daily net assets of
the respective Fund in accordance the following fee schedule:
|
Fund | Asset Breakpoint | Rate | Effective Date |
Mission-Auour Risk-Managed Global Equity Fund | None | 0.60% | December 28, 2017 |
IN WITNESS
WHEREOF
, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be signed on their
behalf by their duly authorized officers effective as of the Effective Date noted
in the Schedule A above.
|
World Funds Trust | Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC | |||||
By: | /s/ David A. Bogaert | By: | /s/ Michael A. Young | |||
Name: | David A. Bogaert | Name: | Michael A. Young | |||
Title: | President and Principal Executive Officer | Title: | President & Chief Operating Officer | |||
12
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
THIS INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT (the Agreement) dated this 28 th day of December 2017 by and between Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (the Adviser), a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and Auour Investments, LLC a Massachusetts limited liability company (the Sub-Adviser), a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
WHEREAS, Adviser is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the Advisers Act), and engages in the business of asset management;
WHEREAS, Sub-Adviser is also registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act, and engages in the business of asset management;
WHEREAS , World Funds Trust, a Delaware Statutory Trust (the Trust) is registered as an open-end management investment company of the series type under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act);
WHEREAS , the Adviser has been engaged by the Trust to provide investment management services to the separate series of the Trust which are listed on Schedule A to this Agreement (each a Fund);
WHEREAS, each Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) and each Funds shares are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act)
WHEREAS, the Adviser desires to retain the Sub-Adviser to render certain investment management services to each Fund, and the Sub-Adviser is willing to render such services; and
WHEREAS, the Trust has consented to the engagement of the Sub-Adviser by the Adviser.
NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:
1. |
Appointment
. The Adviser hereby appoints the Sub-Adviser to act as investment
adviser, with full discretionary power and authority for the period and on the terms
set forth in this Agreement. The Sub-Adviser will be an independent contractor and
will have no authority to act for or represent the Trust or the Adviser except as
expressly authorized in this Agreement. The Sub-Adviser accepts such appointment
and agrees to furnish the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein
provided.
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|||
2. |
Delivery of Documents
. The Sub-Adviser acknowledges that it has received copies
of each of the following:
|
|||
a. |
Each Funds Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the 1940 Act and under the Securities
Act, relating to shares of beneficial interest of the Fund(s) as filed with the
SEC and all amendments thereto;
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b. |
Each Funds Prospectus (such Prospectus, as presently in effect and all amendments and
supplements thereto are herein called the Prospectus).
|
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c. |
Each Funds Statement of Additional Information (such Statement of Additional Information,
as presently in effect and all amendments and supplements thereto are herein called
the SAI).
|
The Adviser will furnish the Sub-Adviser from time to time with copies, properly
certified or authenticated, of all amendments of or supplements to the foregoing
at the same time as such documents are required to be filed with the SEC.
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||||
3. |
Management
. Subject to the supervision of the Trusts Board of Trustees,
the Sub-Adviser will provide a continuous investment program for each Fund, including
investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments,
cash and cash equivalents in each Fund. The Sub-Adviser will determine from time
to time what securities and other investments will be purchased, retained or sold
by each Fund. The Sub-Adviser will provide the services under this Agreement in
accordance with each Funds investment objectives, policies and restrictions
as stated in its Prospectus and SAI and such compliance policies and procedures
as the Adviser or Trust may provide to Sub-Adviser in writing from time to time.
The Sub-Adviser further agrees that it:
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|||
a. |
Will conform
its activities to all applicable Rules and Regulations of the SEC and will, in addition,
conduct its activities under this Agreement in accordance with regulations of any
other Federal and State agencies which may now or in the future have jurisdiction
over its activities under this Agreement.
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b. |
Will vote
proxies with respect to each Funds securities and exercise rights in corporate
actions or otherwise in accordance with the Sub-Advisers proxy voting guidelines
and shall report all votes cast in the in time, manner, and format requested to
facilitate the filing of the N-PX.
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c. |
Will promptly
notify the Adviser of the occurrence of any event that would be reasonably likely
to disqualify the Sub-Adviser from serving as investment manager of an investment
company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise.
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d. |
Will promptly
notify the Adviser in the event that: (i) the Sub-Adviser becomes the subject of
an administrative proceeding or enforcement action by the SEC or other regulatory
body with applicable jurisdiction or (ii) to the best of the Sub-Advisers
knowledge, any affiliate of the Sub-Adviser becomes the subject of an administrative
proceeding or enforcement action by the SEC or other regulatory body with applicable
jurisdiction that the Sub-Adviser reasonably expects could have a material adverse
effect upon the ability of the Sub-Adviser to perform its duties under this Agreement.
|
|||
e. |
Will provide,
at its own cost, personnel, office space, facilities and equipment necessary for
the conduct of its advisory activities on behalf of each Fund and will assume other
costs and expenses incurred by it in connection with its investment advisory services
pertaining to each Fund.
|
|||
f. |
Will, in compliance
with the requirements of the 1940 Act, (i) maintain all records required to be maintained
and keep them as property of the Trust, (ii) surrender promptly to the Trust any
of such records upon the Trusts request, and (iii) preserve for the periods
prescribed by the 1940 Act, and the rules or orders thereunder, the records required
to be maintained by the 1940 Act.
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g. |
Will provide
the Trust and the Trusts service providers with records concerning the Sub-Advisers activities which the Trust is required under applicable law or regulation
to maintain.
|
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h. |
Will render
oral and written regular reports to the Trust and the Adviser concerning Sub-Advisers discharge of the foregoing responsibilities.
|
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4. |
Services Not Exclusive
. The advisory services furnished by the Sub-Adviser hereunder
are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Sub-Adviser shall be free to furnish similar
services to others as long as its services under this Agreement are not impaired
thereby.
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5. |
Books and Records.
In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under
the 1940 Act, the Sub-Adviser hereby agrees that all records which it maintains
for the benefit of each Fund are the property of the Trust and further agrees to
surrender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trusts request.
The Sub-Adviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by it pursuant
to Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act the records required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1
under the 1940 Act that are not maintained by others on behalf of the Trust.
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6. |
Compensation; Fund Expenses
. For the services to be rendered by the Sub-Adviser
under this Agreement, the Adviser shall pay to the Sub-Adviser compensation at the
rate specified in Schedule B attached hereto and made a part of this Agreement.
Such compensation shall be payable monthly within fifteen (15) business days after
the end of any month to the Sub-Adviser and calculated by applying a daily rate,
based on the annual percentage rates as specified in the attached Schedule A, to
the assets. The fee shall be based on the average daily net assets for the month
involved. Fees for less than a full month will be pro-rated. The Sub-Adviser shall
have no right to obtain compensation directly from a Fund or the Trust for services
provided hereunder and agrees to look solely to the Adviser for payment of fees
due. During the term of this Agreement, the Sub-Adviser will pay all expenses incurred
by it in connection with its activities under this Agreement other than the cost
of securities, commodities and other investments (including brokerage commissions
and other transaction charges, if any) purchased for each Fund.
|
|||
7. |
Limitation of Liability of the Sub-Adviser
. The duties of the Sub-Adviser
shall be confined to those expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are
assumed by or may be asserted against the Sub-Adviser hereunder. The Sub-Adviser
shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss
suffered by the Trust (including, without limitation, any Fund thereof) or the Adviser
in connection with the performance of this Agreement, except a loss resulting from
a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services
or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the
part of the Sub-Adviser in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard
by it of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. In no case shall the Sub-Adviser
be liable for actions taken or non-actions with respect to the performance of services
under this Agreement based upon specific information, directions, instructions or
requests given or made to the Sub-Adviser by the Adviser or the Trust. The Adviser
shall indemnify the Sub-Adviser, its affiliates and its controlling persons, for
any liability and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees, howsoever
arising from, or in connection with, the Sub-Advisers performance of its obligations
under this Agreement or the Advisers breach of the terms, representations
and warranties herein; provided, however, that the Sub-Adviser shall not be indemnified
for any liability or expenses that may be sustained as a result of the Sub-Advisers willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of
the Sub-Advisers duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of the Sub-Advisers duties and obligations under this Agreement, which includes, but is not limited
to, liability that arises out of circumstances where the Sub-Adviser engages in
any conduct or omissions that could reasonably be expected to result in an enforcement
action taken against the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser by a regulatory agency or
authority.
|
|||
8. | Duration and Termination . | |||
a. |
Duration.
This Agreement shall become effective on the date of its execution of the applicable
Schedule A with respect to each Fund (each an Effective Date). This
Agreement will terminate automatically, without the payment of any penalty, unless
within two years after its initial effectiveness and at least annually thereafter,
the continuance of the Agreement is specifically approved by (i) the Board or the
shareholders of the Fund by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding
shares of the Fund, and (ii) a majority of the Independent Trustees, by vote cast
in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. If the
continuance of this Agreement is submitted to the shareholders of the Fund for their
approval and such shareholders fail to approve such continuance as provided herein,
Sub-Adviser may continue to serve hereunder in a manner
|
consistent with the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Upon termination of this Agreement,
the duties of the Adviser delegated to the Sub-Adviser under this Agreement automatically
shall revert to the Adviser.
|
||||||
b. |
Termination by the Board or Shareholders. The Board, or pursuant to a vote of a majority
of the outstanding voting shares of the Fund, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund,
may at any time terminate this Agreement, without the payment of any penalty, by
providing sixty (60) days written notice delivered or mailed by registered
mail, postage prepaid, to Sub-Adviser. The Board may also terminate this Agreement
with for a material breach effective immediately or as of such time as the Board
deems appropriate.
|
|||||
c. | Termination by Parties. | |||||
i. |
Adviser may
at any time terminate this Agreement, without the payment of any penalty, by providing
sixty (60) days advance written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail,
postage prepaid, to Sub-Adviser.
|
|||||
ii. |
Sub-Adviser
may terminate this Agreement effective on or after the second anniversary date of
this Agreement commencing on the Effective Date, without the payment of any penalty,
by providing at least six months advance written notice delivered or mailed by registered
mail, postage prepaid, to Adviser and the Trust on or before the second anniversary
date of this Agreement.
|
|||||
iii. |
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in the event that: (i) the Adviser engages in any conduct that could
reasonably be expected to result in a material SEC enforcement action taken against
the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser may terminate this Agreement on sixty (60) days
written notice to the Adviser; or (ii) any of the Funds Trustees, administrator,
transfer agent and/or fund accounting agent or any of their respective officers,
employees or affiliates who are directly involved with the Fund engage in any conduct
that could reasonably be expected to result in a material SEC enforcement action
taken against such person or entity and the Board or Adviser does not take prompt
action to terminate the relationship with such person or entity with respect to
the Fund, then the Sub-Adviser may terminate this Agreement on sixty (60) days
written notice to the Adviser.
|
|||||
d. |
Assignment. This Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment
(as that term is defined in the 1940 Act), or if the Advisers investment advisory
agreement shall terminate with respect to the Fund.
|
|||||
e. |
No Prejudice and Transition. Any notice of termination served on Sub-Adviser by Adviser
shall be without prejudice to the obligation of Sub-Adviser to complete transactions
already initiated or acted upon with respect to the Fund. Upon termination with
or without proper notice as defined in this Agreement by Adviser Sub-Adviser will
be paid all reasonable expenses Sub-Adviser necessarily incurs in terminating the
Agreement. Upon termination of this Agreement, the duties of Adviser delegated to
Sub-Adviser under this Agreement automatically shall revert to Adviser.
|
|||||
9. |
Notices
. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any notice or other
communication required by or permitted to be given in connection with this Agreement
will be in writing and will be delivered in person or sent by first class mail,
postage prepaid or by prepaid overnight delivery service to the respective parties
at the addresses noted below or such other addresses as may be provided by the parties
from time to time:
|
If to the Adviser: | If to the Sub-Adviser | |||
Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC | Auour Investments, LLC | |||
2651 North Harwood Street, Suite 525 | 162 Main Street, Suite 2 | |||
Dallas, TX 75201 | Wenham, MA 01984 | |||
Attn: Michael Young | Attn: Joseph Hosler | |||
With Copies to the Trust : | |
8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205 | |
Richmond, Virginia 23235 | |
Attn: David Bogaert |
10. |
Amendment
of this Agreement
. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged
or terminated orally, but only by a written instrument signed by the party against
which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought. No
material amendment of this Agreement shall be effective until approved by vote of
the holders of a majority of the Funds outstanding voting securities (as defined
in the 1940 Act).
|
|
11. |
Miscellaneous
. The captions of 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. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made
invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Agreement
shall not be affected thereby. This Agreement shall be binding and shall inure to
the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.
|
|
12. |
The Name
Auour.
Sub-Adviser agrees that the name Auour or variations
thereof may be used in the name of the Fund under this Agreement and that such name,
together with any related logos and any service marks containing the word Auour or variations thereof may be used in connection with the Funds business
only for so long as this Agreement (including any continuance or amendment hereof)
remains in effect and that such use shall be royalty free; provided, that in all
instances, Sub-Adviser shall be entitled to review and approve the actual use of
its mark by the Fund. At such time as this Agreement shall no longer be in effect,
the Fund will cease such use. The Fund acknowledges that it has no rights to the
name Auour or variations thereof and such logos or service marks other
than those granted in this paragraph and that the Sub-Adviser reserves to itself
the right to grant the nonexclusive right to use the name Auour or variations
thereof and such logos or service marks to any other person.
|
|
13. |
Applicable
Law
. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with, and governed by,
the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the applicable provisions of the 1940
Act. To the extent that the applicable laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, or
any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940
Act, the latter shall control.
|
|
14. |
Entire
Agreement
. This Agreement consists of the entire agreement of the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior writings and understandings
relating thereto.
|
|
15. |
Counterparts
. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which,
when so executed, shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall
together constitute but one and the same instrument.
|
* * * * * * * | ||
Signature Page to Follow | ||
* * * * * * * |
SIGNATURE PAGE |
TO THE SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT |
BY AND BETWEEN |
MISSION INSTITUTIONAL ADVISORS, LLC |
AND |
AUOUR INVESTMENTS, LLC |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.
MISSION INSTITUTIONAL ADVISORS, LLC
By: /s/ Michael A. Young | |
Name: Michael A. Young | |
Title: President and Chief Operating Officer | |
AUOUR INVESTMENTS, LLC | |
By: /s/ Joseph Hosler | |
Name: Joseph Hosler | |
Title: Managing Principal |
SCHEDULE A |
TO THE SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT |
BY AND BETWEEN |
MISSION INSTITUTIONAL ADVISORS, LLC |
AND |
AUOUR INVESTMENTS, LLC |
Pursuant to paragraph 6 of the Sub-Advisory
Agreement by and between Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC (Mission)
and Auour Investments, LLC (Auour), Mission shall pay Auour the sub-advisory
fees with respect to each of each Fund of the World Funds Trust at the annualized
rates as set forth below
|
Fund | Asset Breakpoint | Sub-Advisory Fee | Effective Date |
Mission-Auour Global Risk-Managed Equity Fund | None | 0.45% | December 28, 2017 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have
caused this instrument to be signed on their behalf by their duly authorized officers
effective as of the Effective Date noted in the Schedule A above.
|
MISSION INSTITUTIONAL ADVISORS, LLC | AUOUR INVESTMENTS, LLC | |||||
By: | /s/ Michael A. Young | By: | /s/ Joseph Hosler | |||
Name: | Michael A. Young | Name: | Joseph Hosler | |||
Title: | President and Chief Operating Officer | Title: | Managing Principal |
Dated: September 20, 2017
EXHIBIT A |
TO THE CUSTODY AGREEMENT |
BETWEEN WORLD FUNDS TRUST |
AND FIFTH THIRD BANK |
April 22, 2015 |
Amended as of December 29, 2017 |
Name of Fund | Date | ||
Toreador Core Fund | April 22, 2015 | ||
Toreador Explorer Fund | April 22, 2015 | ||
Clifford Capital Partners Fund | November 10, 2015 | ||
Toreador Select Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
DGHM MicroCap Value Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
DGHM All-Cap Value Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
DGHM V2000 SmallCap Value Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Buffer Protect Strategy Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Buffer Protect Strategy (January) Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Buffer Protect Strategy (February) Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Buffer Protect Strategy (March) Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Buffer Protect Strategy (April) Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Buffer Protect Strategy (May) Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Buffer Protect Strategy (June) Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Buffer Protect Strategy (July) Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Buffer Protect Strategy (August) Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Buffer Protect Strategy (September) Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Buffer Protect Strategy (October) Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Buffer Protect Strategy (November) Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Buffer Protect Strategy (December) Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest Defined Distribution Strategy Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Enhanced Growth Strategy Fund | August 24, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Enhanced Growth Strategy (January) Fund | August 24, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Enhanced Growth Strategy (February) Fund | August 24, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Enhanced Growth Strategy (March) Fund | August 24, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Enhanced Growth Strategy (April) Fund | August 24, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Enhanced Growth Strategy (May) Fund | August 24, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Enhanced Growth Strategy (June) Fund | August 24, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Enhanced Growth Strategy (July) Fund | August 24, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Enhanced Growth Strategy (August) Fund | August 24, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Enhanced Growth Strategy (September) Fund | August 24, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Enhanced Growth Strategy (October) Fund | August 24, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Enhanced Growth Strategy (November) Fund | August 24, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Enhanced Growth Strategy (December) Fund | August 24, 2016 | ||
The E-Valuator Very Conservative RMS Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
The E-Valuator Conservative RMS Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
The E-Valuator Tactically Managed RMS Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
The E-Valuator Moderate RMS Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
The E-Valuator Growth RMS Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
The E-Valuator Aggressive Growth RMS Fund | April 21, 2016 | ||
CBOE Vest S&P 500 ® Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Fund | July 14, 2017 | ||
Cboe Vest S&P 500 ® Enhance and Buffer Fund | July 14, 2017 | ||
Mission-Auour Risk-Managed Global Equity Fund | December 29, 2017 | ||
SIM U.S. Core Managed Volatility Fund | September 20, 2017 | ||
SIM Global Core Managed Volatility Fund | September 20, 2017 | ||
SIM Global Moderate Managed Volatility Fund | September 20, 2017 | ||
SIM Global Growth Fund | September 20, 2017 | ||
SIM Income Balanced Fund | September 20, 2017 |
Signatures:
WORLD FUNDS TRUST | ||
By: /s/ David A Bogaert | ||
Name: David A Bogaert | ||
Its: President and Principal Executive Officer | ||
FIFTH THIRD BANK | ||
By: /s/ Ryan Henrich | ||
Name: Ryan Henrich | ||
Its: Vice President |
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT
This is AMENDMENT NO 1. To the Fund Services Agreement (the Agreement) dated as of December 1, 2015, between Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., a corporation organized in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia (CFS) and World Funds Trust, a statutory trust organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the Trust).
WHEREAS, the investment adviser to the Union Street Partners Fund (the Fund), a series portfolio of the Trust, has requested that CFS provide certain concessions to the fees payable under the Agreement with respect to the Fund, and CFS has agreed to do so; and
WHEREAS, the Trust finds the proposed concessions acceptable.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises described in the Agreement, the sufficiency and adequacy are agreed to by the parties hereto, the Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
1. |
The first paragraph of Section 10, Term and Termination of the Agreement
shall be amended by deleting the first paragraph in its entirety and replacing it
with the following:
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This Agreement shall remain in effect with respect to a Fund from the Effective Date until the End Date, each as set forth in Exhibit A to this Agreement; thereafter, this Agreement shall automatically renew for a period of one year and continue in effect from year to year thereafter or such other periods as may be set forth in Exhibit A (the initial and any subsequent such periods are referred to as Term). | ||||
2. |
Exhibit A of the Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety with the new Exhibit
A attached hereto as Attachment A.
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3. |
Exhibit E of the Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety with the new Exhibit
E attached hereto as Attachment B.
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4. | The effective date of this Amendment No. 1 shall be May 1, 2017. |
IN WITNESS HEREOF, the Commonwealth of Virginia (CFS) and World Funds Trust have agreed to this Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement as of April 25, 2017.
ATTACHMENT A | ||
TO | ||
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO | ||
FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT | ||
EXHIBIT A | ||
to | ||
Fund Services Agreement | ||
List of Funds |
Fund Name | EffectiveDate | End Date of Initial Term |
Union Street Partners Value Fund |
December 1, 2015 | November 30, 2016 |
Effective May 1, 2017, the List of Funds and the Effective Date and End Date are amended as follows:
Fund Name | Effective Date | End Date |
Union Street Partners Value Fund |
May 1, 2017 | March 31, 2018 |
WORLD FUNDS TRUST
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT , effective as of the dates set forth on Schedule A by and between Union Street Partners, LLC (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 (the 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, with respect to each of the Funds, and the Adviser have entered into an Advisory Agreement (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 no greater than 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, expenses incurred under a plan of distribution
adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, 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
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1
of the
last day of the month. If the annualized Fund Operating Expenses for any month of
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.a., 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. |
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
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2
Expenses
of that Fund to an amount no greater than the Maximum Annual Operating Expense Limit
of that Fund, provided that such amount paid to the Adviser will in no event exceed
the total Reimbursement Amount. For accounting purposes, 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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c. |
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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d. |
Limitation
of Liability
. The Adviser shall look only to the assets of the Fund for which
it waived or reduced fees or remitted payments for reimbursement under this Agreement
and for payment of any claim hereunder, and neither the Fund, nor any of the Trusts trustees, officers, employees, agents, or shareholders, whether past, present
or future shall be personally liable therefor.
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3. | Term and Termination of Agreement. | |
This Agreement
with respect to each of the Funds shall continue in effect until the expiration
date set forth on Schedule A (the Expiration Date). With regard to the
Operating Expense Limits, the Trusts Board of Trustees and the Advisor may
terminate or modify this Agreement prior to the Expiration Date only by mutual written
consent. This Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the termination of the
Advisory Agreement; provided, however, that the obligation of the Trust to reimburse
the Adviser with respect to the Fund shall survive the termination of this Agreement
unless the Trust and the Adviser agree otherwise.
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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
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3
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.
|
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/ David A. Bogaert | |
Name: David A. Bogaert | |
Title: President and Principal Executive Officer | |
Union Street Partners, LLC | |
By: /s/ Shawn P. McLaughlin | |
Name: Shawn P. McLaughlin | |
Title: Managing Member |
4
SCHEDULE A
to the
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
(the Agreement)
between
WORLD FUNDS TRUST (the Trust)
and
Union
Street Partners, LLC (advisor)
This Agreement relates to the following Funds of the Trust:
Fund |
Maximum
Annual Operating
Expense Limit |
Effective Date | Expiration Date |
Union Street Partners Value Fund | 1.35% | November 14, 2017 | January 31, 2019 |
5
WORLD FUNDS TRUST
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
THIS EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT , is made by and between Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC (the Adviser) and World Funds Trust (the Trust) (Agreement), on behalf of the series of the Trust set forth in the set of schedules to this Agreement identified as Schedule A and then numerically designated (e.g., Schedule A-1) attached hereto (each a Fund, and collectively, the Funds) as of the Effective Date noted on each Schedule A with respect to each Fund.
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 December 28, 2017 (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 each 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 each 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 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
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1
amount
no higher than the lowest Maximum Annual Operating Expense Limit applicable to a
particular class of shares of a Fund. 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 month in which the Advisory Agreement is still in effect,
the estimated aggregate Fund Operating Expenses of a class of shares of such Fund
for the fiscal month are less than the Maximum Annual Operating Expense Limit for
that month, 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 with respect to a particular class of
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 with respect to a particular
class, 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.a, 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.a, such reimbursement shall not
cause the Fund Operating Expenses to exceed the Maximum Annual Operating Expense
Limit that was in place with respect to each class of a Fund at the time the Adviser
waived or reduced its advisory fees or reimburse other expenses for such class of
the Fund.
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|
b. |
Method
of Computation
. To determine each Funds accrual (with respect to each
class), if any, to reimburse the Adviser for the Reimbursement Amount, each month
the Fund Operating Expenses of each class of shares of the Fund shall be annualized
as of the last day of the month. If the annualized Fund Operating Expenses of a
class of shares of the Fund for any month are less than the Maximum Annual Operating
Expense Limit of such class of shares of such Fund, such Fund shall accrue with
respect to the particular class 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 Expense Limit of the particular
class of shares 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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|
c. |
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
|
2
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 such date as noted on each
Schedule A 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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* | * | * | * | * |
3
IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed on their behalf by their duly authorized officers as of the dates noted on the Schedule as attached hereto.
WORLD FUNDS TRUST |
On behalf of the Funds Noted on the Schedules to this Agreement |
By: /s/ David A Bogaert |
Name: David A. Bogaert |
Title: President and Principal Executive Officer |
MISSION INSTITUTIONAL ADVISORS, LLC |
By: /s/ Michael A. Young |
Name: Michael A. Young |
Title: President & Chief Operating Officer |
4
SCHEDULE A-1
to the
EXPENSE LIMITATION
AGREEMENT (the Agreement)
between
WORLD FUNDS TRUST (the Trust)
and
Mission Institutional Advisors, LLC
This Agreement relates to the following Funds of the Trust:
Fund |
Maximum
Annual Operating Expense Limit |
Effective
Date |
Expiration
Date |
Mission-Auour
Risk-Managed Global Equity Fund
The following classes of shares of each of the foregoing Funds shall be subject to the Maximum Annual Operating Expense Limit noted in this schedule: Class A Shares Investor Class Shares Institutional Class Shares Class Z Shares |
1.20% 1.20% 1.20% 1.12% |
December 28, 2017 December 28, 2017 December 28, 2017 December 28, 2017 |
April 30, 2019 April 30, 2019 April 30, 2019 April 30, 2019 |
IN WITNESS, WHEREOF,
the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed on their
behalf by their duly authorized officers as of the dates noted on this Schedule.
|
WORLD FUNDS TRUST | |
On behalf of the Funds noted on this Schedules to the Agreement | |
By: /s/ David A. Bogaert | |
Name: David A. Bogaert | |
Title: President and Principal Executive Office | |
MISSION INSTITUTIONAL ADVISORS, LLC | |
By: /s/ Michael A. Young | |
Name: Michael A. Young | |
Title: President & Chief Operating Officer |
5
|
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 |
January 29, 2018
World Funds Trust
8730 Stony Point Parkway,
Suite 205
Richmond, VA 23235
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We hereby consent 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 Union Street Partners Value Fund, a series portfolio of the World Funds Trust (the Trust), which is included in a Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (No. 333-148723), and an Amendment to Registration Statement under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (No. 811-22172), on Form N-1A of the Trust.
Sincerely, | |
/s/ John H. Lively | |
The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc. |
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of our report dated November 22, 2017, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of Union Street Partners Value Fund, a series of World Funds Trust, for the year ended September 30, 2017, and to the references to our firm under the headings Financial Highlights in the Prospectus and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and Financial Information in the Statement of Additional Information.
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
Cleveland, Ohio
January 29, 2018
WORLD FUNDS TRUST RULE |
18F-3 MULTI-CLASS PLAN |
For Funds Advised by Union Street Partners, LLC |
I. | Introduction. |
Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (1940 Act), this Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Plan (Plan) sets forth the general characteristics of, and conditions under which the World Funds Trust (Trust) may offer, multiple classes of shares (each a Class of Shares and collectively Classes of Shares) of the series (each a Fund) identified on Schedule A to this Plan.
In addition, the Plan sets forth the shareholder servicing arrangements, distribution arrangements, conversion features, exchange privileges, and other shareholder services of each Class of Shares in the Fund. The Plan is intended to allow a Fund to offer multiple Classes of Shares to the fullest extent and manner permitted by Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act, subject to the requirements and conditions imposed by that rule. This Plan may be revised or amended from time to time as provided below.
Each Fund is authorized, as indicated below in the section Class Arrangements, to issue the following Classes of Shares representing interests in a Fund:
Class A Shares, Class
C Shares, and Advisor
Class Shares.
Each Class of Shares will represent interests in the same portfolio of a Fund and, except as described herein, shall have the same rights and obligations as each other Class of Shares of the Fund. Each Class of Shares shall be subject to such investment minimums and other conditions of eligibility as are set forth in a Funds prospectus (Prospectus) or statement of additional information (Statement of Additional Information), as amended from time to time.
II. | Allocation of Expenses. |
Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act, the Trust shall allocate to each Class of Shares in a Fund: (i) any fees and expenses incurred by the Trust in connection with the distribution of such Class of Shares under a distribution plan (and related agreements) adopted for such Class of Shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act; and (ii) any fees and expenses incurred by the Trust under a shareholder servicing plan (and related agreements) in connection with the provision of shareholder services to the holders of such Class of Shares. In addition, pursuant to Rule 18f-3, the Trust may allocate the following fees and expenses to a particular Class of Shares in a single Fund:
(a) |
Transfer agency
fees, sub-accounting, sub-transfer agency, sub-administration, administration and
other similar fees and expenses identified by a Funds service providers as
being attributable to such Class of Shares;
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|
(b) |
Printing and
postage expenses related to preparing and distributing materials such as shareholder
reports, notices, prospectuses, reports, and proxies to current
|
shareholders of such Class of Shares or to regulatory agencies with respect to such Class of Shares; | ||
(c) |
Blue sky registration
or qualification fees incurred by such Class of Shares;
|
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(d) |
Securities
and Exchange Commission registration fees incurred by such Class of Shares;
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(e) |
The expense
of administrative and personnel services (including, but not limited to, those of
a portfolio accountant or dividend paying agent charged with calculating net asset
values or determining or paying dividends) as required to support the shareholders
of such Class of Shares;
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|
(f) | Litigation or other legal expenses relating solely to such Class of Shares; | |
(g) |
Fees of the
Trustees of the Trust incurred as a result of issues particularly relating to such
Class of Shares;
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|
(h) |
Independent
registered public accountants fees relating solely to such Class of Shares; and
|
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(i) |
Any additional
expenses, other than advisory or custodial fees or other expenses relating to the
management of a Funds assets, if such expenses are actually incurred in a
different amount with respect to a Class of Shares that are of a different kind
or to a different degree than with respect to one or more other Classes of Shares.
|
The initial determination of the class specific expenses that will be allocated by the Trust to a particular Class of Shares and any subsequent changes thereto will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and approved by a vote of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust.
Income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, and any expenses of a Fund not allocated to a particular Class of Shares of the Fund pursuant to this Plan shall be allocated to each Class of Shares of the Fund on the basis of the net asset value of that Class of Shares in relation to the net asset value of the Fund.
III. | Dividends. |
Dividends paid by the Trust with respect to each Class of Shares, to the extent any dividends are paid, will be calculated in the same manner, at the same time and will be in the same amount, except that any fees and expenses that are properly allocated to a particular Class of Shares will be borne by that Class of Shares.
IV. | Voting Rights. |
Each share (or fraction thereof) of a Fund entitles the shareholder of record to one vote (or fraction thereof). Each Class of Shares of a Fund will vote separately as a Class of Shares with respect to: (i) the adoption of any Rule 12b-1 distribution plan applicable to that Class of Shares and any increase in the amount paid under such distribution plan; and (ii) any other matters for which voting on a Class of Shares by Class of Shares basis is required under applicable law or interpretative positions of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
V. | Class Arrangements. |
The following summarizes the front-end sales charges, contingent deferred sales charges, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees, conversion features, exchange privileges, and other shareholder services applicable to each Class of Shares of a Fund. Additional details regarding such fees and services are set forth in a Funds current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
2
(a) | Class A Shares. |
1. |
Maximum Initial
Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price): 5.75%.
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2. |
Maximum Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge: None for purchases less than $1 million. A 1.00% contingent
deferred sales charge will apply to redemptions effected within one year of any
purchase of $1 million or more in Class A Shares of the Fund. Additional details
on such Charge are set forth in the Funds current Prospectus and Statement
of Additional Information.
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3. |
Rule 12b-1
Distribution Fees: Pursuant to a Distribution and Service Plan adopted under Rule
12b-1 the 12b-1 Plan), Class A Shares of the Fund may pay distribution
and shareholder servicing fees of up to 0.25% per annum of the average daily net
assets of any such Class A Shares.
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||
4. | Conversion Features: None. | ||
5. | Redemption Fee: None. | ||
6. |
Exchange Privileges:
Class A Shares of a Fund may be exchanged for Class A Shares of any other series
of the Trust advised by the same investment adviser at net asset value.
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7. |
Shareholder
Serving Fees: Pursuant to a Shareholder Servicing Plan, Class A Shares of the Fund
may pay distribution and shareholder servicing fees up to 0.25% per annum of the
average daily net assets of any such Class A Shares.
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8. |
Other Shareholder
Services: As described in the current Prospectus of the Fund.
|
(b) | Class C Shares. |
1. |
Maximum Initial
Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price): None.
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2. |
Maximum Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge: A 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge will apply to redemptions
effected within one year of any purchase.
|
||
3. |
Rule 12b-1
Distribution and Service Plan Fees: Pursuant to a Distribution and Service Plan
adopted under Rule 12b-1 (the 12b-1 Plan), Class C Shares of the Fund
may pay distribution and shareholder servicing fees of up to 1.00% per annum of
the average daily net assets of any such Class C Shares.
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||
4. | Conversion Features: None. | ||
5. | Redemption Fee: None. |
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6. |
Exchange Privileges:
Class C Shares of a Fund may be exchanged for Class C Shares of any other series
of the Trust advised by the same investment adviser at net asset value.
|
||
7. |
Shareholder
Servicing Fee: Pursuant to a Shareholder Servicing Plan, Class C Shares of the Fund
may pay distribution and shareholder servicing fees up to 0.25% per annum of the
average daily net assets of each such Class C Shares.
|
||
8. |
Other Shareholder
Services: As described in the current Prospectus for the Fund.
|
(c) | Advisor Class Shares. |
1. |
Maximum Initial
Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price): None.
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||
2. |
Maximum Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge: None.
|
||
3. |
Rule 12b-1
Distribution/Shareholder Servicing Fees: None.
|
||
4. |
Conversion
Features: None.
|
||
5. | Redemption Fee: None. | ||
6. |
Exchange Privileges:
Advisor Class Shares of a Fund may be exchanged for Investor Shares of any other
series of the Trust advised by the same investment adviser at net asset value.
|
||
7. | Shareholder Servicing Fees: None. | ||
8. |
Other Shareholder
Services: As described in the current Prospectus for the Fund.
|
VI. | Board Review. |
The Board of Trustees of the Trust shall review this Plan as frequently as they deem necessary. Prior to any material amendment(s) to this Plan, the Trusts Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees that are not interested persons of the Trust, shall find that the Plan, as proposed to be amended (including any proposed amendments to the method of allocating Class and/or Fund expenses), is in the best interest of each Class of Shares individually and in a Fund as a whole. In considering whether to approve any proposed amendment(s) to the Plan, the Trustees of the Trust shall request and evaluate such information as they consider reasonably necessary to evaluate the proposed amendment(s) to the Plan.
Adopted: June 1, 2016 | |
As amended: April 25, 2017 |
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SCHEDULE A |
to the |
RULE 18F-3 MULTI-CLASS PLAN |
For Funds Advised by Union Street Partners, LLC |
Union Street Partners Value Fund |
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